In a competitive Saudi Professional League encounter on February 24, 2023, Abha faced Al Wehda Mecca, which ended in a narrow 2-1 victory for the away team. The critical moments of the match occurred early in the first half when Al Wehda Mecca netted two quick goals. This early dominance showcased Al Wehda's attacking efficiency and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses by Abha.

Al Wehda Mecca's first goal at the 8-minute mark and their second goal at the 18-minute mark established an early commanding lead. These goals significantly impacted the game's dynamics, forcing Abha to adopt a more aggressive approach. Although Abha managed to pull one back in the 28th minute, the initial double strike put them consistently on the back foot throughout the match.

Despite Al Wehda's early lead, Abha demonstrated superior control in set-piece situations with a significant edge in corner kicks, seven to one. This statistic indicates Abha's ability to pressure Al Wehda's defense, creating multiple scoring opportunities. However, the decisive moments were hampered by a lack of clinical finishing and potentially effective tactical execution during these set-pieces.

Defensively, Al Wehda Mecca played a solid game but incurred three yellow cards, indicating aggressive play and tactical fouling to disrupt Abha’s rhythm. The first yellow card for Al Wehda came in the first half at 31 minutes, followed by two more in the second half at 48 and 74 minutes. In contrast, Abha received only one yellow card, potentially reflecting a more disciplined approach, but it didn't suffice to change the match outcome.

From a teamwork and performance perspective, Al Wehda Mecca showcased better finishing ability, which ultimately was the decisive factor in their victory. Meanwhile, Abha's higher count of corner kicks suggests they were frequently in the attacking third but lacked the final touch to convert these opportunities into goals. The defensive resilience and tactical fouling by Al Wehda were instrumental in preserving their early lead and stifling Abha's attacking advances.

In conclusion, Al Wehda Mecca's strategic early goals and effective defensive tactics underlined their success, despite Abha's dominance in corner kicks and structured play. Abha's inability to capitalize on set-piece opportunities and Al Wehda's efficient use of tactical fouls were key factors in determining the match outcome.

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