Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Mecca: AFC Champions League 2014 quarter-finalists Al Ittihad needed two second half goals to see off Al Faisaly 2-1 in their opening match of the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
After failing to shine last season, Khalid Al Koroni’s men are considered serious title contenders this time around, but their failure to find the net in the first seventy minutes must have worried the local coach who is preparing his team for the upcoming bumper ACL quarter-final tie against inaugural champions Al Ain.
New signing Marquinho scored on his debut in the 70th minute much to the relief to the 11,000 home fans at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium in Mecca. Fahad Al Muwallad ensured the win by scoring eight minutes from time.
Mohammed Jahfali reduced the deficit three minutes from time, but it proved too little too late for Al Faisaly.
Al Koroni’s revamped Al Ittihad will face Al Ain in the last eight of the ACL on August 19, before the return fixture a week later.