JEDDAH, 9 November 2005 — Al-Ittihad Club of Saudi Arabia qualified for the quarterfinals in the Arab Champions League with a 2-0 victory last night over Al-Widad Club of Morocco.
Sierra Leonean Muhammad Kallon scored both goals to the delight of a large crowd of Ittihad fans who thronged the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here.
Ittihad had a lackluster first half, as they apparently were recovering from the rigors of Saturday’s big match with Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the AFC Asian Champions League second leg final match here. Al-Ittihad won 4-2 and retained the title with a 5-3 aggregate victory. The sides drew the first leg 1-1.
Meantime, Ittihad President Mansour Al-Balawi said the proceeds from the ticket sales of yesterday’s match and future matches involving the team will be donated to all kidney hospitals in the Kingdom.
Anelka Eyes Start for France Against Costa Rica
Reuters adds in Fort-de-france, Martinique: France striker Nicolas Anelka, who earned a surprise call-up for their friendly against Costa Rica, may well start today’s World Cup warm-up.
The former PSG forward, whose parents are from Martinique, is back with Les Bleus after a three-year absence and could get the nod as first choice David Trezeguet has pulled out with a sore back. Anelka has not played for France since April 2002 and has not been picked since he snubbed a late call-up by former coach Jacques Santini for a friendly against Yugoslavia in November of that year.
“I have three number nines but I guess I can do it with only two,” coach Raymond Domenech said on Monday.
