JEDDAH, 26 April 2008 — Saudi Premier League champions Al-Hilal qualified for the semifinals of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup of Champions after beating Al-Wehda 2-1 in Makkah last night. The two teams drew goalless in the first leg of the quarterfinal series in Riyadh on Saturday.
Riyadh-based Al-Hilal entered the game strong, as they pulled in the first goal three minutes into the first half through Libyan midfielder Tarek Al-Taib, who punted the ball into the unguarded net after a poor clearance by Al-Wehda goalkeeper Asaf Al-Qarni.
Eight minutes later, Al-Taib, who renewed yesterday his contract with Al-Hilal for a third season, scored the second goal from a curving free kick ball.
Stunned but refusing to throw in the towel so early in the game, the home team were determined to get back in the match in search of at least one goal in the first half to cut the visitors’ lead.
The home crowd prayers were heard when their team were awarded a penalty in the 45th minute. Ahmed Al-Mousa calmly placed the ball to the left-hand side of the goalkeeper reviving his team’s chances to equalize.
Hilal kept pressuring the home team as they dominated the midfield while Wehda played on counter attack in search of an equalizer.
As the match wore on the crowd became restless. Wehda fans started throwing Al-Taib with empty water bottles and sandals.
In retaliation Hilal fans started throwing Wehda players at the coroner spot with empty bottles and sandals.
The two sides of the stadium then engaged in a pelting match with anything available. In the 84th minute, Al-Mousa came close to scoring the equalizer but veteran Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Daie brilliantly saved his header.
