JEDDAH, 15 January 2004 — Saudi Arabian League is set to restart today after one month’s break due to the 16th Gulf Cup Championships that was won by Saudi Arabia, with four matches.
The key match of the second phase is the Riyadh derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Nasr. Hilal, third with 22 points, will be hoping to bridge the gap between themselves and Nasr, 2nd place with 26 points. Nasr meanwhile will be hoping to earn the game’s three points as they begin their chase of champions and undefeated Al-Ittihad team at the top with 32 points.
Second game will be between Al-Ahli of Jeddah and Al-Taie of Hail in Hail. New Tunisian coach Al-Ajlani has been instrumental in Taie’s rise from last to fourth, and Ahli could expect a tough away game.
Ittihad will face an easy time against Riyadh here at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal stadium. And Makkah club Al-Wehda are away to Al-Shola in Kharj.
Former England Keeper Seaman Retires
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman has announced his retirement after more than 20 years in football, his Premier League club Manchester City said on Tuesday, an agency adds.
The 40-year-old, who won 75 England caps and played more than 1,000 times for club and country, joined City at the start of the season after spending most of his career with Arsenal but has been plagued by a recurring shoulder injury. He said he was considering going into goalkeeper coaching. “I have reached this difficult decision after much discussion with my family and those in the game whose views I respect,” Seaman told City’s website.
