Hilal down Ittihad to move into King’s Cup final

Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ittihad 1-0 on Sunday to move into the King’s Cup final courtesy of a late own goal from Ahmed Hegazi. The Riyadh giants may be out of the running for the Roshn Saudi League as they sit in fourth with Al-Ittihad currently top of the standings and on course for a first league title since 2009, but they are now just 90 minutes away from another major piece of silverware. 

As painful as the defeat was for Al-Ittihad, who had the better of the play and the chances on a warm evening in Jeddah, it also means that they can fully focus on the championship even if it will take time for the Tigers to appreciate the result and the outcome. Despite their superiority, Ittihad failed to make it count and were caught by the late sucker punch in extra-time. 

Al-Ittihad and their coach Nuno Santo may eventually be relieved that they don't have to challenge on two fronts but they will look back on this game, shake their heads and wonder how they are not in the final, On the stroke of half-time for example, the lively Helder Costa waltzed through the Hilal defence but his square ball was blasted over by Romarinho who was in a great position.

Soon after in-form Al-Hilal striker Odion Ighalo shot from the edge of the area to force a fine one-handed save from Marcelo Grohe but the best chances came from the home team. Abderrazak Hamdallah was lively from the start and fired wide from inside the area and then Romarinho missed a better chance just before the break as the Brazilian shot over from a good position.

Ten minutes into the second half, Hamdallah volleyed over from outside the area and soon after shot straight into the arms of Abdullah Al-Mayouf when in a good position.

With both goalkeepers in fine form, it