JEDDAH, 7 March — Soccer powerhouse and local favorites Al Ittihad broke all-time goal-scoring records by defeating Al-Riyadh 10-3 in the King Fahd Cup soccer tournament here last night.
This was Ittihad’s biggest victory ever in the tournament. The match was one-sided as Ittihad gave their Riyadh visitors a soccer lesson.
Osama Al-Muwwaled opened the account and after that goals came in torrents.
Brilliant Hamza Idris, like a strike of lightning, scored his second hat trick in the tournament. He scored his first goal in the 28th minute and minutes later he scored his second. Ittihad were leading by three when Louis Feira added to Riyadh’s woes by converting a penalty.
Yahya Al-Qarni gave Al Riyadh some respite by scoring the first goal, but this was not enough to stop Ittihad’s charge.
This time Hamza Idris struck again and completed his hat trick by netting his third.
Riyadh found it difficult to erect a barrier as Ittihad played in very aggressive style and dealt their foes severe blows.
Sami Shas added his share by scoring the sixth goal and Loui Feira netted the seventh when he scored a dramatic goal when he saw Riyadh’s goalkeeper leave his place and an empty goalpost, he shot home the ball from the center.
Ittihad were lucky to be awarded anotherpenalty in the 41st minute which was converted by Sergio. But Sergio was in fine form and there was no stopping him when he netted his second and the team’s ninth goal.
Riyadh players fought back and counterattacked as Faisal Al-Deraihem and Yahya Al-Mojershi scored once each but it was too little too late as Ittihad swept them by scoring their 10th goal through Muhammad Al-Khilaiwi.
Earlier, Al Najmah gained a facile 1-0 win over Al-Taie in the rain-hit match played in Hail. Muhammad Al-Muneef turned in a brilliant display and put Najmah ahead when he found the mark in the 11th minute of the second half.
Najmah could have scored two goals had Ishaq Kawaki converted the penalty they allowed in the 45th minute. His powerfull shot flew over the bar.
With yesterday’s results Al Ittihad now head the table with 42 points followed by Al Hilal with the same points but inferior goal difference. Al Najmah moved up from 10th place to 7th place.
