Mitrovic and Kanno extend Al-Hilal’s winning streak at top of SPL table

RIYADH: Al-Hilal moved seven points clear at the top of the Roshn Saudi League on Friday with a 2-0 win against Al-Taawoun in Riyadh.

But while goalscorers Aleksandar Mitrovic and Mohamed Kanno will get the plaudits, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou played a starring role with a number of crucial saves.

It was a hard-fought and welcome victory against Al-Taawoun who arrived in the capital in fourth place and with a chance to go level on points with second-placed Al-Nassr, but in the end Al-Hilal picked up an 11th successive win in all competitions.

The 18-time champions quickly got on top and the first chance fell to the hosts. Kanno played a one-two with Salem Al-Dawsari, bursting into the right side of the area to collect the pass and see his shot saved by Mailson.

Al-Hilal came even closer after 18 minutes. Michael’s perfect pass split the defense and Al-Dawsari rounded Mailson on the right but his shot from a tight angle came back off the post. 

The visitors’ first chance came after 30 minutes but Mateus’ header was just off target.

Seven minutes before the break Mitrovic showed the Brazilian how it was done, heading home a Kalidou Koulibaly cross from the right, though perhaps Mailson, who got a hand on the ball, should have been able to keep it out.

After a review, however, the Serbian striker was denied goal number 17 since joining his new club as he was adjudged to have fouled Brazilian defender Andrei Girotto when jumping for the ball. It meant that it was goalless at the break.

Al-Taawoun were first out of the blocks in the second half and almost took an immediate lead as a swirling shot from Mateus at the edge of the area had Bounou scrambling to push the ball over.

The Moroccan goalkeeper then made an even