JEDDAH, 28 January 2006 — Asian champions Al-Ittihad failed to secure three points after drawing 1-1 against Al-Shabab in their away match in the Round 16 of Saudi Football League last night at Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium.
Muhammad Kallon opened the account for Ittihad on a free kick in the 75th minute. But they did not hold their grip on the game as Faisal Al-Sultan clinched the equalizer for Shabab in the 88th minute. Shabab intensified their pressure but their attempts were foiled by the strong defense of Ittihad. Shabab still dominate the standings with 32 points, while Ittihad are fourth with 21 points.
Al-Nasr drew 2-2 against Al-Abha in another match in Abha. The result put a question mark on Nasr’s below-par performance this season. Abha remain on 11th place with 10 points, while Nasr are at 10th position with 12 points.
In Damam, Al-Ittifaq secured three points after beating Al-Qadiseya 2-1. With this victory Ittifaq jumped to the seventh position with 16 points.
On Thursday, Al-Taie silenced its critics for not performing well by defeating runner-up Al-Hilal 2-0 in Riyadh. Taie are now in sixth position with 17 points, while Hilal slipped to second place with 31 points. The match between Al-Ahli and Al-Hazem ended in a 1-1 draw, while Al-Wehda and Ansar battled to a goalless draw. Ahli are at third position with 25 points and Wehda are on fifth place with 20 points.
Lebanon Beat Saudi Arabia 2-1
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia suffered a 2-1 defeat against Lebanon in their friendly international soccer match in Riyadh last night.
Gadar scored first for Lebanon in the 14th minute. But Mehiani clinched the equalizer for Saudi Arabia in the 42nd minute. Their joy was short-lived as Nasrallah struck in the 85th minute and gave Lebanon a fine victory over the hosts.
