Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian champions, clinched a dramatic and valuable 1-0 win over Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya on Monday in the Asian Champions League. The match was held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The game was tense and tight, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert them. Al-Ittihad had more possession and shots, but Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya defended well and threatened on the counterattack.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 93rd minute, when Abderrazak Hamdallah scored the decisive goal for Al-Ittihad. The Moroccan striker headed in a cross from Fahad Al-Muwallad, who had made a brilliant run on the right wing.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Al-Ittihad players and fans, who had endured a frustrating evening until then. The referee blew the final whistle shortly after, confirming Al-Ittihad’s victory.
Al-Ittihad tops Group C with six points from two games
With this win, Al-Ittihad took control of Group C in the Asian Champions League. They have six points from two games, having beaten Iran’s Persepolis 2-1 in their opening match.
Al-Ittihad are on course for a place in the last 16 of the continental competition, which they have won twice before in 2004 and 2005. They are also the only Saudi Arabian team to have reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2005.
Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, on the other hand, are bottom of the group with zero points from two games. They had lost 3-0 to Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in their first match. They will need to improve their performance and results in the remaining four games to have any chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
Hamdallah continues his impressive form for Al-Ittihad
Hamdallah, who joined Al-Ittihad from Qatar’s Al-Rayyan in January 2023, has been a key player for his new club. He has scored seven goals in nine games in all competitions, including three goals in two games in the Asian Champions League.
Hamdallah is also the top scorer of the Saudi Professional League with 16 goals in 15 games. He has helped Al-Ittihad to climb to the second place in the league table, behind leaders Al-Hilal.
Hamdallah is not only a prolific scorer, but also a leader and a motivator for his teammates. He has shown his passion and commitment for Al-Ittihad, as well as his quality and experience. He is one of the best strikers in Asia at the moment.
