“Al-Qadsiah created an early threatening spell as both Dion Lopy and Steven Bergwijn tested the Ittihad defence in quick succession before a corner was won, signalling the home side's early dominance that would ultimately go unrewarded.”
“George Ilenikhena scored against the run of play in first-half stoppage time to give Al Ittihad the lead, capitalising after Faris Abdi's shot had been saved moments earlier and Al-Qadsiah failed to clear their lines from a dangerous position.”
Pivotal
Al-Qadsiah
Al Ittihad
Outstanding performance
Al Ittihad•GoalkeeperAl Ittihad pulled off one of the more cynical results of the Pro League season so far, absorbing enormous pressure from Al-Qadsiah before snatching a 1-0 win through George Ilenikhena's goal in first-half stoppage time. The statistics tell a damning story for the hosts: 66% possession, 26 shots, four big chances created — and four big chances missed — against a side that registered just five shots all evening. Al-Qadsiah bossed every metric that matters except the one on the scoreboard, and Dion Lopy's dismissal on 47 minutes — his second yellow following an earlier caution — compounded a miserable evening for the home side, effectively killing any hope of a second-half recovery. Ittihad's goalkeeper was the busier man by a wide margin, making eight saves to one, and the visitors retreated behind the ball for long stretches, content to soak up 105 dangerous attacks and weather 15 corners. For Al Ittihad, it is a precious three points earned through defensive resilience and clinical opportunism; for Al-Qadsiah, it is a painful lesson in the price of profligacy.
How entertaining was this match?
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
On Tijani Reijnders, off Otavinho, Otavio Edmilson da Silva Monte.
Offside.
Offside.
Offside.
Shot - Otavinho, Otavio Edmilson da Silva Monte Right Footed Shot Saved
Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Musab Fahz Aljuwayr takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Dion Lopy2nd YellowSecond yellow card shown to Dion Lopy.
Ahmed Alghamdi is substituted for Rakan Al-Kaabi.
First half ends with a score of 0-1.
Shot by George Ilenikhena with his left foot results in a goal.
Yellow card issued to Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat.
Corner awarded.
assist: Steven Bergwijn
Goal! George Ilenikhena scores to make it 1-0.
Faris Abdi takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Shot by Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat with his right foot is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Dion LopyYellow CardYellow card issued to Dion Lopy.
Gaston Alvarez takes a header shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Musab Fahz Aljuwayr takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Shot by Julian Quinones with another body part results in a goal.
Goal! Julian Quinones scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Mateo Retegui.
Corner awarded.
Goal! Julian Quinones scores to make it 1-0.
Steven Bergwijn takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Dion Lopy takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Musab Fahz Aljuwayr takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Musab Fahz Aljuwayr takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Julian Quinones takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Shot - Otavinho, Otavio Edmilson da Silva Monte Head Shot Missed
Offside.
Julian Quinones attempts a header but misses the shot.
Al-Qadsiah host Al Ittihad at EGO STADIUM on Friday in a mouth-watering Matchweek 2 derby, with newly signed Tijjani Reijnders potentially making his debut for the home side. Al-Qadsiah arrive full of confidence after a blistering start to the season, while a depleted Al Ittihad look to bounce back from their mixed opening.
