Odion Ighalo hits seventh league goal as Al Hilal return to winning ways

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo has increased his Saudi Premier League goal tally to seven as he scored the winner for Al Hilal in their 1-0 away win at Al Ittihad.

Thursday’s encounter in Jeddah marked the former Manchester United striker’s 11 appearances for the Saudi Arabian team as they returned back to winning ways after a run of two draws on the bounce.

Al-Hilal have drawn their last two matches despite being in the pole position to secure maximum points, the last of them was against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr where they surrendered a lead twice.

Ighalo’s goal at the match came just under 12 minutes when he arrived on time to bury a brilliant delivery from Michael Oliveira.

 Al Ittihad tried to force a late resurgence in the closing stages but missed a two glorious chances, thanks to brilliant saves by Hilal goalkeeper, Abdullah Al Mouaiouf.

The Super Eagles’ striker would then be replaced for Luciano Vietto in the 89th minutes but Al Hilal had wrapped up the day with the needed results.

The victory, however taken Al Hilal to third on the log with 25 points from 12 matches.  They will be taking on Al Raed in another tough game on the road.