Thomas Partey Makes Saudi Pro League Debut as Al Khaleej Holds Al Shabab
- Thomas Partey came off the bench for Al Shabab within 24 hours of completing his move to the Saudi Pro League club
- The deputy Black Stars captain played 32 minutes on debut, registering a 94% passing accuracy and nearly scoring in the 80th minute
- Al Shabab sit 13th after two matches, with Partey's form set to matter for both club and the Black Stars in September
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
Thomas Partey has made his Saudi Pro League debut for Al Shabab, just hours after completing his move to the Riyadh-based club.
The 33-year-old Ghanaian midfielder came off the bench in the 58th minute during Al Shabab's 1-1 draw with Al Khaleej, replacing Ali Hassan Al Asmari.
Despite having little time to settle into his new surroundings, Partey looked composed during his 32-minute cameo.
Source: Twitter
Partey makes immediate impact for Al Shabab
According to data culled from Sofascore, the Black Stars deputy captain completed 94% of his passes, found his target with all of his attempted long balls, and made one recovery.
He also recorded 20 touches and came close to scoring in the 80th minute, with his effort narrowly missing the target.
Watch highlights of Al Shabab's draw with Al Khaleej, as shared on YouTube:
The appearance gives Partey a solid platform as he looks to establish himself at Al Shabab following his departure from Villarreal.
The Riyadh club have collected just one point from their opening two league games and currently sit 13th in the Saudi Pro League.
Their next assignment comes against Al Riyadh on August 25, with the visitors coming off a heavy 4-0 defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
Partey's Ghana return on the horizon
Beyond club football, Partey's return to regular action will be closely watched in Ghana.
The midfielder is expected to play an important role when the Black Stars resume international duty in September for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana will open their campaign against Côte d'Ivoire on September 23 before hosting The Gambia in Accra four days later.
After missing the 2025 AFCON, the four-time African champions will be determined to secure their place at the next edition, with Partey's experience potentially proving vital.
Ghanaian prophet shares vision on Partey
In a previous publication, YEN.com.gh reported that a Ghanaian prophet had shared a vision about Thomas Partey’s ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom.
The 33-year-old footballer faces six charges linked to sexual allegations but has maintained his innocence.
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Source: YEN.com.gh
