Four star Saudi Arabia come from behind to beat 10 man North Korea

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:24 am
Saudi Arabia striker Naif Hazazi's first half equaliser against North Korea started a deluge of goals in Melbourne.
Robert Prezioso/Getty Images

Forward Mohammed Al Sahlawi scored twice in two minutes to inspire Saudi Arabia's 4-1 comeback win over North Korea in a Group B game in the AFC Asian Cup in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia now have three points and a share of first place in the group ahead of the second match of the evening between fellow leaders China and Uzbekistan.

North Korea midfielder Ryang Yong-gi opened the scoring in the 11th minute for his team's first Asian Cup goal since 1992.

Striker Naif Hazazi equalized in the 37th minute, before Al Sahlawi gave Saudi Arabia the lead in the 52nd and made it 3-1 in the 54th.

North Korea midfielder Ri Yong-jik was sent off in the 77th minute for a handball which saw Saudi Arabia awarded a penalty.

Saudi Arabia midfielder Nawaf Alabid completed the scoring after putting the ball into the back of the net after the spot kick was saved.