2021–22 Saudi Second Division
| Season | 2021–22 |
|---|---|
| Dates | 29 September 2021 – 20 April 2022 |
| Champions | Al-Arabi (2nd title) |
| Promoted | Al-Arabi Al-Qaisumah Al-Riyadh |
| Relegated | Al-Dahab Afif Al-Nojoom Al-Thoqbah |
| Matches played | 367 |
| Goals scored | 939 (2.56 per match) |
| Top goalscorer | Israel Abia Youssef Trabelsi (20 goals each) |
| Biggest home win | Al-Entesar 6–0 Al-Bukiryah (5 March 2022) |
| Biggest away win | Al-Lewaa 0–4 Al-Saqer (29 October 2021) Al-Safa 0–4 Al-Jandal (14 January 2022) Al-Lewaa 0–4 Al-Arabi (11 February 2022) Al-Safa 0–4 Al-Taqadom (12 February 2022) Al-Sharq 0–4 Al-Dahab (5 March 2022) Al-Rayyan 0–4 Arar (11 March 2022) |
| Highest scoring | Al-Jandal 4–4 Al-Zulfi (31 March 2022) |
| Longest winning run | Al-Arabi (8 matches) |
| Longest unbeaten run | Al-Riyadh (17 matches) |
| Longest winless run | Al-Lewaa (16 matches) |
| Longest losing run | Al-Thoqbah Arar (7 matches) |
← 2020–21 2022–23 →
All statistics correct as of 20 April 2022. | |
The 2021–22 Saudi Second Division was the 46th season of the Saudi Second Division since its establishment in 1976. The season began on 29 September 2021 and concluded on 20 April 2022 with the final. The group stage draw was held on 8 June 2021.[1]
The season was originally scheduled to conclude on 16 April with the final. However, it was announced that both the final and third-place play-off would be postponed due to an ongoing investigation into match-fixing allegations.[2] The investigation was concluded on 12 April with no evidence of any match-fixing and the new date for the final was announced as 20 April.[3]
The final was played on 20 April 2022 between Al-Arabi and Al-Qaisumah. Al-Arabi defeated Al-Qaisumah 1–0 to win their second title and first since 1986.[4]
Overview[edit]
Changes[edit]
On 9 October 2020, the Saudi FF announced that the number of teams in the league would be increased to 32, with each group consisting of 16 teams, starting from the 2022–23 season. To prepare for these changes it was announced that only 3 teams would be promoted to the MS League and 5 teams would be relegated from the MS League in the 2021–22 season.[5]
Team changes[edit]
A total of 28 teams are contesting the league, including 20 sides from the 2020–21 season, 4 relegated teams from the MS League, and 4 promoted teams from the 2020–21 Third Division.[6]
The following teams have changed division since the 2020–21 season[edit]
To Second Division[edit]
Promoted from the Third Division
Relegated from MS League
From Second Division[edit]
Promoted to MS League
Relegated to the Third Division
Teams[edit]
- Group A
- Group B
Foreign players[edit]
The number of foreign players was increased from 2 players per team to 3 players per team.[7]
Players name in bold indicates the player is registered during the mid-season transfer window.
Group A[edit]
League table[edit]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion, qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Arabi (C, P) | 26 | 16 | 9 | 1 | 42 | 16 | +26 | 57 | Promotion to the FD League and Qualification to the Final |
| 2 | Al-Riyadh (P) | 26 | 16 | 8 | 2 | 42 | 16 | +26 | 56 | Qualification for the third place play-offs |
| 3 | Al-Entesar | 26 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 40 | 26 | +14 | 38 | |
| 4 | Al-Bukiryah | 26 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 37 | 35 | +2 | 37 | |
| 5 | Al-Saqer | 26 | 8 | 11 | 7 | 26 | 26 | 0 | 35[a] | |
| 6 | Al-Rawdhah | 26 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 38 | 42 | −4 | 35[a] | |
| 7 | Al-Washm | 26 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 31 | 34 | −3 | 32 | |
| 8 | Wej | 26 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 26 | 30 | −4 | 31 | |
| 9 | Al-Lewaa | 26 | 6 | 12 | 8 | 29 | 39 | −10 | 30[b] | |
| 10 | Tuwaiq | 26 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 23 | 32 | −9 | 30[b] | |
| 11 | Al-Sharq | 26 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 28 | 32 | −4 | 27[c] | |
| 12 | Al-Sadd | 26 | 7 | 6 | 13 | 23 | 38 | −15 | 27[c] | |
| 13 | Al-Dahab (R) | 26 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 24 | 31 | −7 | 26 | Relegation to the Third Division |
| 14 | Al-Nojoom (R) | 26 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 26 | 38 | −12 | 23 |
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-Head points; 3) Head-to-Head goal difference; 4) Head-to-Head goals scored; 5) Total goal difference; 6) Total goals scored; 7) Play-off (only for deciding champion, promotion and relegation).[8]
(C) Champions; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:
- ^ a b Al-Saqer finished ahead of Al-Rawdhah on overall goal difference: Al-Saqer 0, Al-Rawdhah −4 (Al-Rawdhah 0–1 Al-Saqer, Al-Saqer 0–1 Al-Rawdhah).
- ^ a b Al-Lewaa finished ahead of Tuwaiq on head-to-head points: Tuwaiq 1–2 Al-Lewaa, Al-Lewaa 1–1 Tuwaiq.
- ^ a b Al-Sharq finished ahead of Al-Sadd on overall goal difference: Al-Sharq −4, Al-Sadd −15 (Al-Sadd 2–1 Al-Sharq, Al-Sharq 1–0 Al-Sadd).
Results[edit]
Group B[edit]
League table[edit]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion, qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Qaisumah (P) | 26 | 17 | 3 | 6 | 39 | 23 | +16 | 54 | Promotion to the FD League and Qualification to the Final |
| 2 | Al-Taraji | 26 | 15 | 6 | 5 | 41 | 30 | +11 | 51 | Qualification for the third place play-offs |
| 3 | Al-Najma | 26 | 14 | 7 | 5 | 47 | 28 | +19 | 49 | |
| 4 | Al-Zulfi | 26 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 58 | 25 | +33 | 45 | |
| 5 | Al-Ansar | 26 | 9 | 11 | 6 | 38 | 33 | +5 | 38 | |
| 6 | Al-Taqadom | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 34 | 33 | +1 | 36[a] | |
| 7 | Hetten | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 28 | 35 | −7 | 36[a] | |
| 8 | Al-Jandal | 26 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 42 | 39 | +3 | 34[b] | |
| 9 | Al-Safa | 26 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 22 | 28 | −6 | 34[b] | |
| 10 | Al-Rayyan | 26 | 9 | 5 | 12 | 33 | 46 | −13 | 32 | |
| 11 | Arar | 26 | 7 | 6 | 13 | 38 | 50 | −12 | 27 | |
| 12 | Al-Nairyah | 26 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 33 | −12 | 24 | |
| 13 | Afif (R) | 26 | 4 | 11 | 11 | 33 | 42 | −9 | 23 | Relegation to the Third Division |
| 14 | Al-Thoqbah (R) | 26 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 53 | −29 | 13 |
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-Head points; 3) Head-to-Head goal difference; 4) Head-to-Head goal scored; 5) Total goal difference; 6) Total goals scored; 7) Play-off (only for deciding champion, promotion and relegation).[8]
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:
Results[edit]
Third place play-off[edit]
Both teams that finish second in Groups A and B will face each other in a two-legged match with the winner gaining promotion to the FD League. The first leg was originally scheduled to be held on 8 April and the second leg on 14 April, however, it was both matches were postponed following an investigation into match-fixing allegations. Al-Riyadh, who finished second in Group A, faced Al-Taraji, who finished second in Group B.[9] The first leg was played on 15 April and the second leg on 20 April.[10] Al-Riyadh defeated Al-Taraji 3–2 on aggregate to earn promotion to the Saudi First Division League.
| Team 1 | Agg. | Team 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Taraji | 2–3 | Al-Riyadh | 1–1 | 1–2 |
- First leg
| Al-Taraji | 1–1 | Al-Riyadh |
|---|---|---|
Abdessalem  77' |
Report | Al-Rashidi 20' |
- Second leg
Final[edit]
The winners of each group will play a single-legged final on 20 April to decide the champion of the 2021–22 Second Division. As winners of Group A, Al-Arabi faced Al-Qaisumah, the winners of Group B. The match was held at Al-Arabi's home stadium due to them having more points.[11] Al-Arabi defeated Al-Qaisumah 1–0 to win their second title and first since 1986.
| Al-Arabi | 1–0 | Al-Qaisumah |
|---|---|---|
| S. Al-Harbi 80' |
Report |
Statistics[edit]
Top scorers[edit]
- As of 20 April 2022[12]
| Rank | Player | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Israel Abia
|
Al-Rawdhah | 20 |
 Youssef Trabelsi
|
Al-Zulfi | ||
| 3 |  Elhadji Malick Tall
|
Al-Riyadh | 17 |
| 4 |  Vanílson
|
Arar | 15 |
| Mohammed Abdessalem
|
Al-Taraji | ||
| 6 |  Fahad Hadl
|
Al-Qaisumah | 14 |
| 7 | Ahmad Boussaid
|
Al-Taraji | 13 |
 Maher Sharoma
|
Al-Ansar | ||
| 9 | Ricardo
|
Hetten | 12 |
| Abdullah Al-Qahtani
|
Al-Arabi |
Hat-tricks[edit]
| Player | For | Against | Result | Date | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Emmanuel Banahene |
Al-Ansar | Arar | 3–1 (H) | 9 October 2021 | [13] |
| Israel Abia |
Al-Rawdhah | Al-Sadd | 4–1 (H) | 23 October 2021 | |
| Elhadji Malick Tall |
Al-Riyadh | Al-Rawdhah | 4–1 (H) | 13 November 2021 | [14] |
| Israel Abia |
Al-Rawdhah | Tuwaiq | 3–3 (A) | 26 November 2021 | |
 Aneel Bakaki |
Al-Sharq | Al-Entesar | 3–0 (A) | 10 December 2021 | |
| Vanílson |
Arar | Al-Taqadom | 3–3 (A) | 18 December 2021 | |
| Youssef Trabelsi |
Al-Zulfi | Al-Qaisumah | 5–0 (H) | 14 January 2022 | |
| Vanílson |
Arar | Al-Jandal | 4–1 (A) | 5 February 2022 | |
| Abdullah Al-Qahtani |
Al-Arabi | Al-Lewaa | 4–0 (A) | 11 February 2022 | |
| Bernard Arthur |
Al-Taqadom | Al-Safa | 4–0 (A) | 12 February 2022 | |
| Youssef Trabelsi |
Al-Zulfi | Afif | 4–1 (A) | 4 March 2022 | |
| Mohanad Al-Shudukhi |
Al-Najma | Al-Thoqbah | 5–2 (H) | 4 March 2022 | |
| Maher Sharoma |
Al-Entesar | Al-Bukiryah | 6–0 (H) | 5 March 2022 | |
| Youssef Trabelsi |
Al-Zulfi | Al-Taqadom | 5–1 (H) | 11 March 2022 | |
| Faisal Al-Mutairi |
Al-Zulfi | Al-Jandal | 4–4 (A) | 31 March 2022 |
- Note
(H) – Home; (A) – Away
Number of teams by province[edit]
| Rank | Province | Number | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Province | 7 | Al-Nairyah, Al-Nojoom, Al-Qaisumah, Al-Rawdhah, Al-Safa, Al-Taraji and Al-Thoqbah |
| Riyadh | Afif, Al-Riyadh, Al-Sadd, Al-Sharq, Al-Washm, Al-Zulfi and Tuwaiq | ||
| 3 | Al-Qassim | 5 | Al-Arabi, Al-Bukiryah, Al-Najma, Al-Saqer and Al-Taqadom |
| 4 | Ha'il | 2 | Al-Lewaa and Al-Rayyan |
| Mecca | Al-Entesar and Wej | ||
| Medina | Al-Ansar and Al-Dahab | ||
| 7 | Al Jawf | 1 | Al Jandal |
| Jazan | Hetten | ||
| Northern Borders | Arar |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "صدور قرعة دوري الثانية وتحديد موعد الانطلاق".
- ^ "قضية تلاعب تؤجل نهائي دوري الدرجة الثانية السعودي".
- ^ "الانضباط تعلن إغلاق الإجراءات القضائية في قضية الدرجة الثانية".
- ^ "رسمياً .. العربي بطلاً لدوري الدرجة الثانية".
- ^ "تقليص أندية دوري الأولى إلى 18 نادٍ ..و استحداث دوري الثالثة..و استبدال دوري المناطق بالدرجة الرابعة".
- ^ "إليكم مستويات قرعة دوري الدرجة الثانية التي ستقام غدًا".
- ^ "الاتحاد السعودي يمنح أندية الثانية حريّة تحديد فئة اللاعب الأجنبي الثالث سواءً (أجنبي أو مواليد)".
- ^ a b "لائحة المسابقات والبطولات" [Regulations of Saudi Arabian Football Federation Competitions] (PDF) (in Arabic). SAFF. 1 June 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
- ^ "خطف نقاط النعيرية وصعد مع العربي.. والترجي والرياض في الملحق".
- ^ "الرياض يحل ضيفاً ثقيلاً على الترجي من أجل خطف البطاقة الثالثة للصعود".
- ^ "القيصومة إلى دوري الدرجة الأولى للمرة الثانية".
- ^ "هدافين دوري الدرجة الثانية السعودي".
- ^ "الثلاثية الأولى في دورينا هذا الموسم، تُسجّل باسم لاعب نادي @FcAlansar إيمانويل بناهيني".
- ^ "الـهاتريـك الثالـث في دورينـا هذا الموسم يُسجّل باسم "تال الحاج مالك"لاعب نادي @RiyadhFC".