Saudi Arabia delivered a structured performance that allowed the team to gradually gain control over the midfield and dictate the pace in crucial moments. By starting aggressively and maintaining pressure through their 4-3-3 shape, the squad managed to break several Ivorian transitions early, preventing the visitors from launching dangerous counterattacks. The midfield trio, led by Abdullah Al-Khaibari and Mohammed Kanno, moved effectively between pressing and covering spaces, ensuring the rhythm stayed in Saudi Arabia’s favor.

As Côte d’Ivoire attempted to force wide play and push their fullbacks higher, Saudi Arabia intercepted key passes and regained possession quickly, creating attacking sequences that helped shift the match momentum. By the time the second half progressed, the team showed discipline in closing gaps and protecting their advantage. The players responded confidently to the announced added minutes and succeeded in maintaining shape until the final whistle.

Saudi Arabia entered the field with a balanced 4-3-3 formation that emphasized movement, support, and vertical progression. Nawaf Al-Aqidi protected the goal with composure, while defensive stability came through Abdulelah Al-Amri and Waleed Al-Ahmed, who disrupted multiple attacking phases from Côte d’Ivoire. On the flanks, Nawaf Boushal and Saud Abdulhamid provided both defensive coverage and forward movement, enabling the team to transition cleanly from defense to attack.

In midfield, Nasser Al-Dawsari and Abdullah Al-Khaibari played a crucial role in winning duels and distributing possession. Mohammed Kanno added strength and passing range, helping connect the defensive lines with the attack. Up front, Feras Al-Brikan, Sultan Mandash, and Abu Al-Shamat pushed toward the final third with energy, creating openings and pressing Ivory Coast’s defenders into mistakes. This collective effort shaped a clear identity: disciplined structure with bursts of creative intent.

Côte d’Ivoire stepped into the game with a physical and assertive 4-4-2 formation that relied heavily on midfield strength and forward movement. Players like Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré fought to control the central zone, forcing Saudi Arabia to stay compact and alert. Their transitions sought to exploit speed on the wings, especially through Amad and Parfait Guiagon, who attempted to stretch defensive lines and test spaces behind the Saudi fullbacks.

Despite their persistent pressure, Ivory Coast struggled to break through the disciplined Saudi defense. Several attacking attempts were cut off by effective marking, quick recovery runs, and well-timed interceptions. While Sébastien Haller remained a central figure in the Ivorian attack, Saudi defenders succeeded in pushing him wide and limiting his involvement in dangerous zones. Côte d’Ivoire certainly produced tense moments, but the Saudi back line consistently responded with organized defensive work.

As the clock entered stoppage time, the match gained intensity with the fourth official announcing four additional minutes. Côte d’Ivoire pushed forward aggressively, attempting to force an equalizer while Saudi Arabia worked to maintain composure. The Saudi back line absorbed pressure with calculated clearances and disciplined positioning, preventing the visitors from finding a breakthrough.

When the referee blew the final whistle at 90’+7, Saudi Arabia secured a confident 1-0 victory. The result highlighted the team’s ability to manage high-pressure phases and close games with maturity. Fans in Jeddah witnessed a performance that mixed tactical awareness, strong work ethic, and collective belief sending a message about the rising level of Saudi football.