JEDDAH, 9 August 2003 — Two Saudi Arabian teams made their exit from the Seventh Sadaka Soccer Tournament here yesterday. Hosts Asir were sent tumbling out of the event following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Syrian Olympic team.
Then Al-Ahli, who had shored up their team by packing the team with veterans after a disappointing start to the tourney, suffered the embarrassment of being held goalless by a young Al-Hilal team.
The result left Ahli, the defending champions, out of contention for the knockout phase of the Sadaka tournament and also out of the title race.
Hilal just need a win or a draw in their remaining match to advance.
Today the Iraqi Olympic team with play the Senegal Olympic team in the first match, while the Saudi Olympic team will take on Al-Nasr in the second.
Vieira Almost Ready to
Sign New Arsenal Deal
In London, Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira says he hopes to sign his new contract on “Monday or Tuesday” but warned he could yet see out the remaining year of his current deal if he cannot agree terms with the club.
“I hope I will sign. I will have a meeting with the (vice-) chairman (David Dein) on Monday or Tuesday and I hope that will be the last meeting,” the French midfielder, who has had protracted contract negotiations with the club, said yesterday.
