JEDDAH, 15 February 2005 — Al-Ittihad played true to form and ran out 2-1 winners over Ghazal Al-Mahalla of Egypt, but two other Saudi sides settled for draws yesterday in the Arab Champions League soccer tournament.
In Algeria, Al-Ahli failed to put the finishing on an otherwise brilliant game in a disappointing 2-2 draw with hosts Naser Hussein.
Al-Hilal drew with the visiting Al-Esmaeili of Egypt 1-1 in Riyadh.
Enjoying the support of the home crowed at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, Ittihad had little trouble duplicating their away win over Al-Mahalla scoring both goals in the first half — by Al-Tairqi from a corner kick in the 4th minute and defender Hamad Al-Muntashri five minutes later also from a corner kick.
Ghazl Al-Mahalla scored their only goal in the injury time from a penalty kick by Muhammad Essa.
With the win Ittihad all but clinched a spot for the next round as they temporarily go top of Group B with 9 points.
Ahli were well on the way to victory with a 2-1 lead after Muhammad Massad made a powerful shot that Naser Hussein’s goalie failed to stop in the in the 85th minute.
But the anticipated celebration was nipped in the bud when Yassad scored an injury-time equalizer by exploiting a costly error by Ahli to net a goal.
Ahli were first to score in the 53rd minute by the Brazilian player Carlos Diaz. Naser Hussein leveled the match in the 54th minute through Nadeem Shabna .
Ahli were looking for a victory to boost their flagging hopes of qualifying but then got stuck with 4 points from four consecutive draws, while Naser Hussein remained on top of Group D with 6 points.
Hilal failed to secure the full three points after against Al-Esmaeili who snatched a draw when Abu Jareesha scored the leveler in the 81st minute. Hilal earlier scored in the 68th minute through Muhammad. Hilal is on second place of Group C with 7 points while Al-Esmaeili remains top with 10 points.
