JEDDAH, 24 October 2005 — Al-Hilal suffered their first and unexpected defeat after racking up four consecutive wins in the fifth round of the Saudi Soccer League.
Against Al-Taie of Hail in Hail, Hilal’s bid to extend their winning streak and collect another full three points was torpedoed via Taie’s 1-0 victory against the league frontrunners.
The lone goal of the match was scored in the 24th minute of the first half from a header by Hamdaji. Hilal tried hard to score an equalizer but was met by strong Taie defense.
Despite the defeat Hilal remained top on 12 points while Taie moved up to sixth position on 7 points.
At Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Al-Nasr had another lackluster performance in a 1-0 win against Abha of Abha. Muhsin Al-Garni scored on a header for Nasr’s winning goal in the 52nd mintue.
The win enabled Nasr to keep seventh spot on 4 points, while Abha have only one point so far.
At Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz Stadium in Madinah, Al-Wehda of Makkah continued to show improved performance after posting their consecutive victories Al-Ansar 3-1.
Wehda goalscorers were Al-Muhayyani in the 6th and 27th minutes and Alaa Al-Kuwaikbi in the 31st minute. Yousif Al-Rasheed tallied Al-Ansar’s lone goal in the 78th minute. The win put Wehda’s tally at seven points, good for seventh place, while Ansar are ninth with 2 points.
At Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal stadium in Jeddah, Al-Ahli crushed Al-Hazem of Al-Rass 3-0. Ahli’s win came after two consecutive draws against Nasr and Shabab. With the win Ahli advanced to fourth position on eight points while Al-Hazem are 10th on two points.
Meantime, the league takes a break for 10 days and resumes early next month.
