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.