JEDDAH: Al-Fat’h seeks to ride the momentum of its big win over Al-Ahli when it plays Al-Shabab in one of two quarterfinal matches today in the Crown Prince Cup football tournament.
Al-Fat’h hosts the Riyadh-based team Shabab in Al-Ahsa where it brilliantly defeated Ahli 2-1 in a round of 16 upset in the competition. Shabab made the quarterfinals after defeating Abha 2-1 in Abha.
The second match of the day sends Al-Ittifaq against Al-Hazem in Al-Rass. Brimming with confidence, Al-Fat’h will be looking to duplicate its performance against Ahli in a bid to make history by qualifying for the fist time for the semifinals of the Crown Prince Cup. The one thing going for Al-Fat’h is that the team is playing in front of its home crowd. Shabab is expected to be ready for Al-Fat’h surprises and looking to put an end to Al-Fat’h adventure. Also, Shabab is keen to win if only to make up for the many setbacks the team suffered this season including the sad exit from the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Cup and the Saudi Professional League.
Ittifaq faces an equally difficult time against the Al-Hazem squad playing in front of its supporters.
Ittifaq reached the final eight after defeating Riyadh 3-0 whle Hazem advanced after defeating Najran 1-0. Like Shabab, Ittifaq is looking to make up for an indifferent season by booking a palce in semifinals.
