Pitso Mosimane’s tenure at Abha FC ended in disappointment as the Saudi Pro League club succumbed to relegation following a 2-1 defeat against Al Hazm on Monday night.

Abha entered the match needing a win to secure their top-flight status. A victory coupled with an Al Tai loss or draw would have been enough for survival. However, despite taking the lead through Ahmed Abdu early in the second half, Abha couldn’t hold on.

Having already been relegated themselves, Al Hazm refused to go down without a fight. They equalized through Mohammed Badamosi just ten minutes after Abha’s opener.

The winning goal for Al Hazm, scored by Mohammed Al Thani ten minutes from time, officially confirmed Abha’s relegation. This marks the first time in Mosimane’s illustrious coaching career that he has experienced relegation with a club.

The first half was a tense affair, with neither side finding the net. Abha finally broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, but their lead was short-lived. Al Hazm’s fightback culminated in the winning goal, leaving Mosimane visibly frustrated on the sidelines.

Abha’s misery was compounded by a red card for Marcel Tisserand in the dying moments of the match. The dismissal occurred after a VAR review deemed his challenge on Al Hazm’s Selemani to be a sending-off offense.

With their relegation confirmed, Abha’s season comes to a disappointing end. Mosimane’s short four-month stint, which began in January, concludes with a bittersweet farewell. While the team initially showed promise under his leadership, they ultimately fell short of their goal.

Mosimane’s contract with Abha expires at the end of June. It remains to be seen where the South African coach will take his talents next, with speculation already swirling about his future destinations.