JEDDAH, 27 December 2006 — Al-Ittihad and last year’s champions Al-Shabab cruised to victories in the Saudi Football League 13th round yesterday.
Ittihad of Jeddah crushed Riyadh-based Al-Nasr 3-0 at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here. The match was totally one sided and raised more questions about Nasr’s performance this season.
Ittihad drew first blood when Muhammad Mujeb scored an own goal in the 23rd minute of the first half. Al-Hassan Kayta then scored the second and third goals for Ittihad in minues 30 and 49.
The victory put Ittihad equal with Wehda on 26 points but ahead of Wehda in the standings in second place because of goal difference. Nasr dropped dangerously in the tenth position with mere 11 points. Shabab got back on track after winning the match against Khaleej 3-1 at Prince Faisal ibn Fahd stadium in Riyadh. Nashaat Akram, Iraqi professional player, put Shabab in the scoresheet in the 6th minute of the match. He again scored one minute later to complete his brace for Shabab. Jounior scored only goal for Khaleej in the 10th minute. Abdul Aziz Al-Saaran sealed the Shabab win with 61st minute strike. Shabab are now in the fourth position with 25 points and Khaleej 11th with 9 points.
In Hail, Taie and Al-Faisali tied 1-1. Taie are seventh with 13 points and Al-Faisali eighth with 12 points. The Saudi league will stop temporarily for the Haj holidays and will resume on Jan. 3.
Meanwhile, in Gulf Cup Championship, Al-Ittifaq of Saudi Arabia defeated Qadisiya of Kuwait 1-0 in Kuwait in final first leg match. Muhammad Al-Sahli scored the only goal for Ittifaq on first touch in the 84th minute from a nice shot outside the penalty box. The final and second leg match will take place in Feb. 12 in Dammam.
