JEDDAH, 4 October — Al-Ittihad displayed vintage form as they dictated the tone of the Jeddah derby against archrivals Al-Ahli in the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Cup soccer tournament here yesterday.
Their 2-0 victory at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here lifted them to the top of Group B with 25 points from ten engagements and enabled them to clinch a semifinal spot in the event.
Ahli, who till the start of the match was level at an identical 7-1-1 win-loss-draw record with Ittihad, suffered their second defeat yesterday thus leaving them on the second rung of the group. They too qualified from the group for the last four stage, and now meet Group A leaders Al-Shabab for a berth in the final.
Ittihad, who await either Al-Qadsiyah or Al-Ittefaq in the semifinal, did a star turn yesterday while notching up a facile 2-0 verdict. The goals came on the either side of the break and on the form displayed yesterday, the Ittihad squad could have run up the tally.
Muhammad Amin struck the first in the 18th minute, after being given clear space. The goal seemed to indicate that more was in store from Ittihad as they kept up a stream of attacks on the Ahli citadel.
Though intricate runs and pleasant passing bouts were in abundance, Ittihad failed to convert their territorial advantage into goals. Ahli showed that they were quick on the counter and Ibrahim Suwaid looked dangerous on the break. They too had their chances yesterday, but missed all their opportunities.
Ittihad’s dominance was sealed in injury time when Turki Al-Shahrani effected a clinical finish to round off the tally at 2-0. Ittihad showed that they are a force to beat in the contest even without their new signing Bebeto of Brazil. It was reliably learned that the Brazilian World Cup star would be introduced to the fans at the start of the league.
In other Group B matches, Najmah and Al-Ta’ie drew goalless, while Al-Shoa’la thumped Al-Raed 5-1 in a battle of cellar teams. For Shoa’la Muhammad Al-Waely (62nd and 89th) secured a brace after Naif Al-Shibani (10th), Ibrahim Al-Juwair (19th) and Mishfalt Al-Qahtani (46th) had scored. Naif had pulled one back for Raed in the 33rd minute by striking true from the spot.
