William Troost-Ekong had a frustrating evening as Al Kholood slipped to a 2–0 home defeat against 10-man Al Taawoun in their Saudi Pro League Matchday 10 encounter on Friday.

The league returned after a break of more than a month, with Al Kholood hosting Al Taawoun at the Al-Hazem Club Stadium, determined to arrest a four-game losing run. However, their plans were undone in the 22nd minute when Christopher Mendez gave the visitors the lead.

Al Taawoun were later reduced to 10 men, offering the hosts a route back into the contest, but Al Kholood struggled to capitalise on their numerical advantage. Any lingering hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 75th minute when Troost-Ekong inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, sealing the visitors’ victory.

The defeat leaves Al Kholood 12th on the Saudi Pro League table, with little time to regroup as they prepare to face title contenders Al Hilal in their next outing.

It marked Troost-Ekong’s second own goal of the season, following a similar incident in the 3–2 defeat to NEOM SC on October 30.

Earlier this month, the former Super Eagles captain announced his retirement from international football after a decade of service, explaining that he wishes to focus fully on his club career and personal pursuits.