Nasr failed to take advantage of the low moral of their rivals who were eliminated by Zob Ahan of Iran from the AFC Champion League semifinal last Wednesday.

Critics favored Nasr to win last night's match. But it was not to be as Hilal were a different side and played with renewed spirit.

Nasr was first to score in the 19th minute following a penalty kick. Majed Al-Marshadi brought down Rayyan Belal inside the forbidden area. Abdul Rahman Al-Qahtani placed the ball to the left hand corner of the rival goalkeeper.

Hilal then pushed forward hard for the equalizer but failed to convert the opportunities that came their way. Stout defending by the Nasr defenders enabled them to keep their lead.

After the change of ends, it was evident that the Hilal players received some pep talk and went all out for the equalizer.

They were not to be denied for long as they leveled the score in the 62nd minute.

Essa Al-Muhayyani received a pass from Muhammad Al-Shalhoub who blasted the ball into the net giving rival goaltender no chance.

Hilal is now in fourth position with 16 points with four pending games. Nasr remained third with 17 points.