Ashleigh Plumptre inspires Al-Ittihad into Saudi Cup semi-final

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria defender, Ashleigh Plumptre was on target as Al-Ittihad secured a 5-0 victory in the quarter-final of the 2023/2024 Saudi Arabia Women’s Cup on Saturday.

Plumptre had scored a hat-trick last time out in the Saudi league and continued where she left out in the Cup competition as she inspired her team to a big win.

The Super Falcons star broke the deadlock for her side in the 32nd minute before four more goals in the second half to seal a big win for Al-Ittihad.

Layla Iskandar scored two goals while Salma Amani and Leighanne Robe converted a goal each in the second period.

The latest goal increased Plumptre season’s tally for Al-Ittihad to seven goals in all competitions.

This will be the first time that the former Leicester City star will find the back of the net without netting a hat-trick since joining the Saudi side.

The win set up a semi final clash with the club of her Nigerian compatriot, Rita Chikwelu’s Al Shabab.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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