JEDDAH, 20 August 2006 — The Saudi football season kicked off Thursday with the start of the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Cup. Al-Ahli, Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal and Al-Qadisiya scored huge wins in their opening matches on a day which saw premier teams stamping their marks.

In Group A, Al-Ahli beat Al-Hazem of Al-Rass at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium 6-1. Ahli dominated the match and sent a strong message to their Group A rivals with their impressive start. The result was just reward for their long and hard work during the off-season.

Shabab, another contender in Group A, also recorded a huge 4-1 win over Taie of Hail in Hail. Ahli are currently top of the group followed by Shabab.

In Group B, Hilal had no difficulty in overcoming the humid weather in the Eastern Province and won their match against Khaleej 3-0 in Dammam. Majed Al-Marshadi, Meshal Al-Mouri and Saad Al-Deeb struck in the 46th, 72nd and 93rd minutes respectively. Hilal will next face Ittifaq in their next match on Friday and will be trying to take advantage of a demoralized Ittifaq, who lost 3-2 against Qadisiya. Qadisiya with three points are on top of the group. Qadisiya will next face Khaleej.

Group C witnessed the biggest surprise when Al-Ittihad drew 2-2 against the newcomer to the Saudi Football League – Al-Faisali in Al-Majma’a. Their performance puts a question mark on Ittihad’s chances, as they will be facing two difficult opponents in the group — Al-Nasr and Al-Wehda.

In Riyadh, Nasr escaped defeat against Wehda of Makkah as the rallied to force a 2-2 draw.

Wehda was first to score with Essa Al-Muhayyani striking both is club’s goals in the 36th and 66th minute.

But Nasr came back with a late rally.

Abdul-Rahman Al-Bishi scored the first goal in the 80th minute cashing in on Wehda’s defensive lapse and then Talal Al-Mesha scored five minutes later by pouncing on another defensive error.

The action resumes on Thursday when Shabab face Al-Hazem in Riyadh, Taie go against Ahli in Hail and on Friday, Ittihad will face Wehda in Makkah and Al-Faisali will face Nasr in Majma’a.