Super Eagles defender William Troost‑Ekong played the full 90 minutes for Al‑Kholood, but couldn’t prevent his team from suffering their fourth consecutive defeat, as they went down 2–1 to Al‑Hazem in the Saudi Pro League.
Al‑Kholood struck early Ramiro Enrique put them in front just three minutes into the game. But Al‑Hazem responded in the 30th minute with a goal from Elias Mokwana, before Omar Jahed Al Somah fired in the winner seven minutes later.
Despite sustained pressure from Al‑Kholood in the second half, they could not find an equaliser. The loss leaves the club with six defeats in nine matches so far this season, highlighting how precarious their situation has become.
For Troost‑Ekong, this was a tough night he was present throughout but was unable to influence a turnaround. Al‑Kholood’s next match will be against Al‑Khaleej, and they’ll need to regroup quickly if they are to stop the bleeding.
Editorial
There is a weariness settling over Al‑Kholood, one that William Troost‑Ekong stalwart defender, veteran leader must feel acutely. Four defeats in a row are not just a statistic they are a symptom of deeper structural malaise. The early goal by Enrique showed intent, but football is as much about resilience as it is about ambition. Al‑Hazem’s comeback, culminating in a late strike by Al Somah, revealed that Al‑Kholood may have the courage, but not yet the composure.
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Troost‑Ekong is supposed to be the anchor. A centre-back with international pedigree, he was brought in not just to defend, but to instill belief. But belief must be matched by consistency. Against Al‑Hazem, his presence did not prevent critical lapses, and those moments define the difference between a club on the rise and one fighting for stability.
If Al‑Kholood are to arrest this decline, they will need more than occasional flashes of quality. They must rediscover their defensive unity, rekindle a collective confidence, and stop relying on early momentum. For Troost‑Ekong, the challenge is personal as well as professional to lead not just with actions, but with spirit, so that his teammates follow.
The league is long, and redemptions are possible. But at this rate, each match feels like a crossroads. For Al‑Kholood and for Ekong survival won’t be handed out it will have to be earned.
Did You Know?
- This loss to Al‑Hazem marks Al‑Kholood’s fourth consecutive defeat in the Saudi Pro League.
- Al‑Kholood have now lost six of their first nine matches this season, a worrying run for a team with aspirations to stabilize.
- Troost‑Ekong previously scored (a header) for Al‑Kholood in a 4–3 defeat to Al‑Ittihad earlier in the season.
- In a different match, Ekong scored an own goal that proved costly in Al‑Kholood’s 3–2 defeat to NEOM SC.
- Despite recent struggles, Ekong has also shown leadership earlier in the season, he provided a match-winning assist in stoppage time to help Al‑Kholood secure a dramatic 3–2 victory.
