Published: August 31, 2026
Monrovia — Liberia captain Oscar Dorley played 85 minutes and delivered a composed midfield performance Friday as Al-Taawoun suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Dorley, making his second start since joining Al-Taawoun from Czech champions Slavia Prague, was substituted in the 85th minute. The Liberian midfielder helped provide balance and energy in the center of the pitch as Al-Taawoun competed against an Al Nassr side featuring several high-profile international stars.
Al-Taawoun took an early lead when Mohammed Bassam Al-Hurayji scored in the 11th minute. Samú Costa equalized five minutes into first-half stoppage time before Ronaldo completed Al Nassr’s comeback in the 50th minute.
Ronaldo’s goal came after Joao Felix broke down the left and delivered a cutback toward the edge of the box. Mohamed Simakan’s effort appeared destined for the bottom corner before Ronaldo, positioned six yards from goal, got the final touch.
The goal was Ronaldo’s 978th of his career and gave Al Nassr its fourth consecutive league victory to maintain a perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season.
Dorley’s performance continues his steady integration into Al-Taawoun’s midfield following his move from Slavia Prague.
The 28-year-old joined the Saudi club on Aug. 21 after completing a reported €2 million transfer from Slavia. He signed a two-year contract, with an option for an additional season that could keep him at Al-Taawoun through 2028.
The transfer ended Dorley’s successful seven-year spell with Slavia, where he made 238 appearances, scored 11 goals and recorded 21 assists. He won four Czech league titles and two Czech Cups during his time with the Prague club.
Dorley began his European career with Lithuanian club Trakai in 2016 before moving to Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic. Slavia signed him in 2019, initially sending him back to Liberec on loan before he established himself as an important member of the squad.
His move to Al-Taawoun followed weeks of reported negotiations between the Saudi club and Slavia. The transfer was completed in August, with Al-Taawoun seeking to strengthen its midfield with Dorley’s versatility and experience.
Dorley made his Al-Taawoun debut as a substitute in the 3-2 loss at Al Kholood on Aug. 22. He then made his first start three days later, playing 66 minutes in a 0-0 draw against Al-Fayha before starting again against Al Nassr.
Against Al Nassr, Dorley was replaced by Saif Rajab in the 85th minute.
Despite the defeat, Dorley’s growing role in the Al-Taawoun lineup marks a positive start to his new chapter in Saudi Arabia after establishing himself as one of Liberia’s most accomplished players in European club football.
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