By Michael Madyira
Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a hat-trick as Al Nassr crushed Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Club 8-0 at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium on Tuesday – handing the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach his biggest-ever career defeat.
It is a result that adds to Mosimane’s woes as he struggles to get Abha out of the relegation zone.
Ronaldo first struck 11 minutes into the match before doubling the scoreline 10 minutes later.
With three minutes before the half-time break, Ronaldo completed his hat-trick and Sadio Mane also scored on 33 minutes.
Abdulmajeed Al Sulayhim made it 4-0 in favour of Al Nassr just before halftime as Abha now stood little chance of a comeback on home turf.
Abdulrahman Ghareeb struck soon after the restart and Abdulaziz Al Elewai’s brace sealed matters for the visitors.
Al Nassr remains second on the Saudi Pro League table, 12 points behind leaders Al Hilal.
Mosimane’s side had no solution to stop the drubbing and they paid dearly for that by remaining second from the bottom with eight league games remaining.
It is a difficult moment for Mosimane whose side has now gone two games without tasting victory.
In their next game, Abha will be at home to Al Fateh on Sunday as they seek to recover from Tuesday’s setback.
Pictured above: Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against Abha Club.
Image source: Al Nassr
