JEDDAH, 6 November 2007 — Al-Watani of Tabuk, considered the dark horse in the Saudi Football League, snatched a valuable point playing away against Al-Ittihad of Jeddah last night in the last minute.
Talal Al-Awaji’s last-gasp equalizer kept the underdogs in a well- deserved second spot and behind league leaders Ittihad by 8 points.
With the draw in front of Ittihad’s home fans the determined team from Tabuk continued their great performances thus far in the season. Though having more ball possessions throughout the match, Ittihad forwards took turns missing the target.
Al-Watani goalkeeper Sultan Al-Balawi blocked the Brazilian forward’s penalty shot for Ittihad in the 43rd minute.
Hassan Keta scored the opening goal in the 63rd minute as the ball fumbled from the hands of Al-Balawi who failed to control a powerful shot from Ittihadi midfielder Manaf Abu Shugaer.
Al-Watani’s equalizer was a carbon copy of the opening goal. Ittihad still led the league with 23 points. In another match, Al-Shabab scored a 5-2 victory against struggling Al-Qadisiya. Two Qadisiya players were red carded in the 63rd and 67th minutes. Qadisiya are the tournament tailenders with only one point in eight matches.
