Damac — Al-Hazem : Match Preview and Prediction for August 28,2025

Damac’s Precarious Position

Greetings, Saudi football enthusiasts! Let’s delve into the opening week of the season, where I hold a very firm stance on the Damac vs. Al-Hazem match. We begin with the home side, Damac, who narrowly escaped relegation last season. The team’s survival was nothing short of a miracle, hardly a robust foundation upon which to build significant victories.

Off-Season Frenzy and Lack of Cohesion

Damac’s off-season has been a whirlwind of activity, resembling a frantic marketplace. The club has been feverishly signing players, some literally just days before the initial whistle. Moroccan defender Jamal Harkass, French forward Nabil Alioui, Ivorian striker Yacou Meïté, Brazilian goalkeeper Kevin Silva, and a host of other names have arrived. This doesn’t appear to be strategic reinforcement; it looks more like a panicked response. New coach Armando Evangelista will simply not have sufficient time to establish any meaningful on-field connections or tactical understanding among this hastily assembled squad.

Struggling Offensively and Poor Home Form

In their final official fixture of the previous season against Al-Ittihad, Damac’s attack was utterly toothless. They registered only one shot on target throughout the entire game! Their Expected Goals (xG) statistic lingered at a mere 0.14. This starkly indicates that the team created virtually no dangerous opportunities, and their 0-1 defeat was arguably flattering, thanks to their goalkeeper making seven crucial saves. Adding to this dismal picture is a troubling trend: Damac has failed to win in 14 of their last 20 home matches, painting a truly concerning outlook.

Al-Hazem: Promoted and Prepared

And what about Al-Hazem? Indeed, they are newcomers to the Pro League, having returned at the first attempt. But consider how they concluded their season in the first division – with a compelling series of victories. The team is in excellent form, riding a wave of confidence, and unlike their opponents, they possess a clear structure and a coherent understanding of their game plan.

Tactical Acumen Under Jalel Kadri

At the helm of Al-Hazem is Tunisian specialist Jalel Kadri. He is renowned for his pragmatic, defensively-oriented style. His teams are adept at organizing themselves effectively behind the ball, denying opponents space. For a disjointed Damac side, such a compact and disciplined defense will undoubtedly present an insurmountable challenge.

The Game-Changing Arrival of Omar Al Somah

And the icing on the cake is the transfer of Omar Al Somah. A true legend and the all-time leading scorer in Saudi League history! He was signed just recently, has already joined the squad, and is ready to step onto the pitch. This represents a colossal reinforcement and a powerful psychological boost. While Damac’s attack will be struggling to conjure any creativity, Al-Hazem boasts a player capable of deciding an entire match with a single moment of brilliance.