Saudi Arabia: Bassogog, Neyou relegated to second division!.

The fate of the Indomitable Lions duo and their second tier bound side was sealed on Sunday May 3. 

This was during matchday 31 of the Saudi Pro League. They dropped following a 4-0 defeat to third-place Al-Ahli.

The defeat confirmed Al Okhdood’s relegation having been in the RSL since 2023/2024. 

It was an important game for Al-Okhdood who needed to win to boost their faint chances of surviving the drop but their plans backfired. 

While Christian Bassogog was handed a starting role and played only 45 minutes with an unimpressive display, Neyou did not feature in the game.

Al Ahli imposed its control from the start and dominated the entire game. They threatened continuously against Al-Okhdood that took pleasure in defending.

Valentine Atangana Edoa opened the scoring early before Cote d’Ivoire international, Frank Kessie scored a first half brace to give his team a comfortable lead at the break.

Firas Al -Buraikan concluded the four-goal rout, extinguishing Al-Okhdood’s hopes of a comeback.

The result means Al-Okhdood remain 17th of the 18-club competition with 16 points from 31 matches. They have been relegated with three matches left to the end of the league.

Bassogog, who was the Most Valuable Player, MVP at the 2017 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, which Cameroon won, joined Al-Okhdood in September 2024. He has played 26 matches this season with three goals to be the joint second top scorer for the club this season and five assists, the most of any other player.

Neyou on his part is on loan from Spanish La Liga side Getafe with his deal to expire next month. He has played seven matches this season. 

There are other Cameroonian internationals in Europe who at risk of losing their top tier status with the clubs.  

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3780 of Tuesday May 05, 2026