JEDDAH: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Cup under-23 soccer tourney kicks off with two matches scheduled for today. All 12 teams participating in this competition will be allowed to field only four players from their regular team, this will give the youngsters a chance to show their talent in this competition.
The teams are divided into four groups:
Group-A: Al-Hilal, Al-Hazem
Al-Raid.
Group-B: Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli,
Al-Watan.
Group-C: Al- Shabab, Al-Wehda,
Najran.
Group-D: Al-Nasr, Al-Ittifaq, Abha.
The opening match will be between Al-Raid and Al-Hazem in Buraidah, while in the other match Al-Watani of Tabuk will host Al-Ahli.
Hilal begins this tournament as favorites having won this title on seven occasions, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2005 and 2006.
Nasr, Ahli, Ittifaq and Ittihad each have won this title thrice.
Nasr in 1976, 1998, 2008; Ahli in 2001, 2002, 2007; Ittifaq 1991, 2003, 2004 and Ittihad in 1986, 1997 and 1999.
Shabab won it twice 1988 and 1989. Riyadh and Qadesiya one each in 1995 and 1994 respectfully.
