Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Riyadh: Mali international Samba Diakite's first goal for Al Ittihad proved the difference as the AFC Champions League quarter-finalists maintained their perfect start to the new Saudi Pro League season with a 1-0 win over Al Fateh on Wednesday.
The victory leaves Al Ittihad, who failed to shine last season, trailing early league leaders Al Hilal on goal difference, after Saudi Arabia's second representative in the final eight of this season's ACL, beat Al Shoalah 3-1 away from home.
Diakite, who joined the Saudi giants last month on a season-long loan deal from English Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, struck in the ninth minute to make it two wins from two games for Al Ittihad following their opening day success against Al Faisaly.
The victory for Khalid Al Koroni's charges comes just days before the first leg of their ACL quarter-final clash with Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates on August 19.
The return leg will be in Saudi Arabia a week later.
Photo: AFP