SPL clubs clean sweep lower league opponents in King’s Cup

Saudi Pro League clubs displayed their dominance over lower tier opposition as Al-Ettifaq, Al-Shabab, Al-Taawoun and Al-Hazm progressed from the King Cup’s round of 32 on Sunday night.

Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq defeated Jeddah FC 4-0 thanks to goals by Gini Wijnaldum (26th minute), Moussa Dembele (38 and 45) and Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi (59).

Al-Shabab overcame Al-Batin 2-1 after extra time, having taken the lead on 33 minutes through Belgian international Yannick Carrasco before being pegged by Brahian Aleman’s equalizer four minutes later. Carrasco scored the winner in the 118th minute to send the Riyadh giants to the last 16.

Another Roshn Saudi league club, Al-Taawoun, beat First Division Al-Qadsia — coached by former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler — 2-0 with goals from Musa Barrow and Abdulfattah Mohamed.

In the last of the day’s clashes, Al-Hazm defeated Al-Arabi 3-1, with first-half goals from Faiz Selemani (10, 15) and Mohammed Al-Thani (30). The First Division visitors responded with a consolation goal by Diego Miranda in first-half stoppage time.