JEDDAH, 26 January 2005 — Al-Ittihad of Jeddah drew an inspired performance from a virtual second squad to score a 3-1 victory yesterday over Ghazl Al-Mahallf of Egypt in the Arab Leage Championship in Egypt.
With several of their star players unavailable either because of national team duties or injuries, Ittihad embarrassed the home team with a solid display that netted a goal in the first half and two more in the second.
Al-Hilal, the second Saudi team that traveled to Egypt, were not as fortunate losing 2-0 against Al-Esmaeili.
With three points from the victory, Ittihad moves up top of Group B with 6 points pending the result of the match between Wefaq Steef and Ahli of Qatar.
Brazilian player Mario opened his account for Ittihad when he rammed in a goal inside the penalty box in the 42nd minute.
Ittihad were in control of the midfield keeping their goal area out of danger from enemy incursions.
The second Ittihad goal came in the 89th minute by Betco who converted a nice cross from Muhammad Nur.
Ghazl Al-Mahalla scored their only goal in the match after a mad scrambled in the goalmouth, but Muhammad Amin capped Ittihad’s game-long efficiency in offense when he outfoxed the Egyptian goalie in a one-one-one situation for another marker in the waning seconds of the match.
Unlike Ittihadh, Hilal obiviously can’t cope with their under-strength side.
Muhammad Abu Jareesha gave Al-Esmaeili a 1-0 at the break. The second goal of the match came in the 52nd minute by Sayeed Muawad.
Al-Esmaeili now leads Group C with 9 points from three straight victories with Hilal second on six points.
Saudi Arabia whipped Tajikistan 3-0 in a friendly at Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium in Riyadh as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Uzbekistan.
