Last-gasp Kante rescues Al Ittihad during frantic finish in Al Qadsiah title showdown | OneFootball

N’Golo Kante earned Al Ittihad what could prove a pivotal point in the Roshn Saudi League title race in the most dramatic of finishes in the clash with Al Qadsiah, which veered one way and the other on Thursday night.

The FIFA World Cup winner stuck in the 96th minute at Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium to cancel out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s injury-time opener and snatch a 1-1 draw for the league leaders.

Kante’s last-gasp intervention ensured Al Ittihad moved seven clear at the summit, although second-placed Al Hilal can close that gap to four points when they take on Al Fayha away on Friday.

Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, were left to rue the missed opportunity to climb to within four points of Al Ittihad. The promoted club, inspired upon their return to the top flight, remain third, but move level on points with Al Hilal.

However, Al Qadsiah will feel they should have strengthened their championship challenge, for they dominated the first half only for in-form Julian Quinones to uncharacteristically struggle in front of goal.

First, the 15-goal Mexican somehow hit the base of the post with the goal at his mercy, then he could not find a way past Al Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.

Not long after Mohammed Abu Al Shamat had an effort cleared off the line by visiting defender Muath Fagihy, while just after the hour Turki Al Ammar thudded the Al Ittihad upright with a rocket from outside the penalty area.

At the other end, Fawaz Al Saqour somehow failed to convert a Karim Benzema pass. Later, Al Ittihad midfielder Houssem Aouar, another enjoying a superb debut season in the RSL, tested from range Al Qadsiah goalkeeper Koen Casteels.

Then, in the closing five minutes of normal time, the Belgium No.1 saved twice from the returning Steven Bergwijn.

In the first minute of added time, Al Qadsiah thought they’d grabbed the win. Uruguay international Nahitan Nandez sent in a low cross from the right, leaving Aubameyang to sweep home first time for his 11th RSL goal.

Still, there was to be a sting in the tail of a truly see-saw encounter. Only five minutes had elapsed when Benzema crossed from the left for the unmarked Kante to prod home from close range. Al Ittihad had rescued a point at the death – their third successive draw in the RSL.