JEDDAH, 29 May 2005 — Al-Ittihad staged a superb rally to defeat Al-Hilal 2-1 in the King Fahd Cup Soccer Tournament at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here yesterday. Hilal led 1-0 at half-time.
Ittihad, with this victory, now have 38 points and Hilal have 41 points. An early goal from Brazilian striker Camacho, who hit true from the spot in the 17th minute, helped Hilal take the lead and also hold the edge in the first half.
Ittihad were denied space in the session and only their slow buildups in the latter part of the game enabled Ittihad to come slowly into their own. Midway through the second session they drew level following a Marzouk Al-Otaibi strike in the 75th minute. Colombian Sergio Herrera provided a neat cross into the box and Otaibi converted.
Then with two minutes for the long whistle, Ittihad completed the victory with a penalty conversion. Herrera turned scorer in this instant. Hilal goalkeeper Muhammad Al-Dayea was replaced midway through the match following an injury. The match also saw the return of Nawaf Al-Timiyat to the Hilal ranks after a gap of two years.
