JEDDAH: League leader Al-Ittihad managed to share the spoils with Al-Ittifaq after the sides drew 1-1 in a round 10
match of the Saudi Professional League, which took place at Prince Muhammad bin Fahd stadium in Dammam yesterday.
Jeddah-based Ittihad played with one man down after its defender Reda Tukar was shown the red card for hard tackle against an Ittifaq player.
Down by a man and a goal, Ittihad managed to consolidate its lines and level the game before the final whistle.
Nevertheless, the draw against Ittifaq was music to Hilal’s ears after it won its round 10 match against Al-Shabab 2-0.
The result narrowed Ittihad’s gap on Hilal from five to three points as the Riyadh-based team took another step toward knocking Ittihad off the top spot.
Ittifaq vaulted to the fifth position with 13 points, equal with Ahli but lower in rank because of goal difference.
Salahuddin Eqal put Ittihad first on the scoresheet with a goal in the fifth minute.
Ittihad managed to equalize through Emad Miteb in the 67th minute after he pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty box to score a goal.
Ittihad remains atop the league table with 26 points. But Hilal is closing in fast after the team secured the full three points against Shabab at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.
Striker Muhammad Anbar opened the Hilal account in the 21st minute with a fine shot inside the penalty box. He then completed a double for Hilal with another marker in the 52nd minute. The win gave Hilal 23 points, while Shabab is frozen in the fourth position on 16 points.
