AL JOUF — Julian Quinones delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice in the first half to lead Al Qadsiah to a 2-0 victory over Al Orobah at Al Jouf University Stadium on Wednesday. The win solidifies Al Qadsiah's position in third place in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) standings. The Mexican forward, in top form, was a constant threat throughout the match. At the 20-minute mark, he tested Al Orobah's Belgian goalkeeper Gaetan Coucke with a powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards out, which Coucke expertly saved. However, Quinones opened the scoring shortly afterward. His strike partner, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, played a pivotal role, receiving Mohammed Abu Al Shamat's pass and delivering a half-volley that found Quinones in the box. The summer signing rose above his marker to head the ball into the net, giving Al Qadsiah a 1-0 lead. The duo combined again in the 31st minute for the second goal. Aubameyang's initial shot was saved by Coucke, but he quickly recovered and set up Quinones with a clever back-heel pass. Quinones made no mistake, blasting the ball into the net with his left foot to double Al Qadsiah's advantage. In the second half, Al Qadsiah maintained control, with Cameron Puertas coming close to extending their lead. Meanwhile, Fahad Al Rashidi forced Al Qadsiah's goalkeeper Koen Casteels into a fine save, but the Belgian shot-stopper confidently denied the effort. Al Orobah nearly pulled one back at the hour mark when Mohammed Al Qarni connected with Cristian Tello's corner for a half-volley. However, Puertas made a remarkable goal-line clearance to preserve the clean sheet. The victory marks Al Qadsiah's eighth win in their last nine league matches, keeping them two points ahead of Al Nassr and nine points behind league leaders Al Hilal. Koen Casteels also achieved his 10th clean sheet of the season, strengthening his bid for the 2024-25 RSL Golden Glove award. Meanwhile, Al Orobah's loss drops them into the relegation zone, as they are overtaken by Al Fayha, who secured a win against Al Kholood earlier this week.
