JEDDAH, 6 October 2005 — A potentially mouthwatering clash between two giants of Saudi soccer, Al-Ahli of Jeddah and Al-Hilal of Riyadh, ranks high as one of the most awaited events in the early days of Ramadan month.
For the die-hard fans, the wait is over as Ahli and Hilal today clash at 10:15 p.m. in the final of the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Cup at Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.
Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, president of both the General Presidency of Youth Welfare and Saudi Soccer Federation, will attend the finale of the prestigious event.
Hilal are looking forward to keep the title in an early success that kicked off their winning season in which they also won the Saudi league and Crown Prince Cup for a sweep of the major domestic championships.
Ahli are keen to make peace with the fans after an embarrassing defeat at AFC Champions League and that is only possible with victory today.
Ahli are known to play attacking football and they are expected to push forward from the first minute to try and score an early goal. Ahli were hit with the bad news that stars, team captain Hussein Abdul Ghani and striker Rogerio, might not dress for the final match due to injuries. The team coach, Elia, however, assured Ahli fans not worry for he has made game adjustments in the absence of the two stars.
Bellamy Out of Wales Squad
for World Cup Qualifiers
Agency adds: In London, striker Craig Bellamy and two other players have withdrawn from the Wales squad for their last two World Cup qualifiers over the next seven days, the Football Association of Wales said.
Bellamy, defender Robert Page and midfielder Jason Koumas have pulled out and two replacements were called up from the under-21 side, striker David Cotterill of Bristol City and Gillingham defender Andrew Crofts.
The Welsh play Northern Ireland in Belfast on Saturday and Azerbaijan in Cardiff next Wednesday. Wales prop up Group Six with just two points from eight games and cannot qualify for the finals in Germany next year.
