RIYADH, 19 December 2005 — Al-Hilal drew 1-1 against Al-Shabab in a derby match of the Saudi Soccer League at the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium here last night. Omar Al-Ghamdi scored for Hilal in the 18th minute from a nice shot from outside the penalty box. But their elation was short-lived. Shabab earned a corner in the 71st minute and Abu Otaif netted the ball from inside the penalty box. Shabab remain on top with 24 points, while Hilal are second with 23 points.
New Coach for Hilal
RIYADH, 19 December 2005 — Prince Mohammed ibn Faisal, president of Al-Hilal Club, said that the coach of Olympic team Alexander would replace Bakita, whose services are being tapped for the national team. “Bakita has good coaching abilities, and it’s an honor to see him coaching the national team,” said the prince, adding that Alexander has a good reputation among the players. “I hope Hilal will remain as victorious with Alexander,” said Faisal.
Weightlifting Championship
JEDDAH, 19 December 2005 — The sixth Weightlifting Championship for the handicapped began yesterday under the patronage of Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, president of the Saudi Youth Welfare Presidency and chief of the Saudi Arabian Committee for the Handicapped. The tournament will end on Dec. 22. Saudi Arabia is the organizer of the championship, while the participating countries are the United Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. (Razan Baker)
Moroccan Striker Joins Ahli
JEDDAH, 19 December 2005 — Twenty-one-year-old Moroccan striker Aqudar Jawad has arrived here to join Al-Ahli soccer team. He will be given a test before joining the club. Jawad was supposed to sign with Scotland’s Rangers football club, but they didn’t agree on payment. Jawad will be the third Moroccan to wear Ahli colors, if he signs.
Serbian Yanbosha to Train Ahli
JEDDAH, 19 December 2005 — The Al-Ahli Club has appointed veteran Serbian Moscovitsh Yanbosha as the new coach of the club. Yanbosha signed a one-year contract with the club. Yanbosha, known for his tactics of putting young blood on the field, has trained many Arab clubs, including Al-Qadisiya and Arabi of Kuwait, Rifaa of Bahrain and Nasser of Oman. The clubs have won many titles under him.
Colombian Herrera May Join Al-Rayan
JEDDAH, 19 December 2005 — Al-Ittihad striker, Sergio Herrera of Colombia, received an offer from Al-Rayan club of Qatar. Responding to the offer, Herrera said that he feels no problem, but he has to wait for a formal discussion with the club president before committing. Herrera signed with Ittihad for three years, but only stayed for half of the time.
