Sports

Benzema's double impact: Al-Ittihad and Al-Taawoun share spoils in thrilling 1-1 draw

October 20, 2023
French striker Karim Benzema celebrates his goal.
French striker Karim Benzema celebrates his goal.

Saudi Gazette report

ALQASSIM —
In a gripping showdown, French striker Karim Benzema, representing Al-Ittihad, scored a goal against Al-Taawoun and accidentally replicated the feat in his own team's net. The match concluded in a 1-1 draw, highlighted by exceptional goalkeeping that thwarted additional scoring opportunities.

Al-Ittihad, the reigning champion of the Saudi Professional League, found themselves deadlocked against Al-Taawoun, disrupting the latter's winning streak in the tenth round of competition.

Karim Benzema initially propelled Al-Ittihad into the lead with a headed goal in the 22nd minute. However, he swiftly reversed the fortune, scoring an own goal in the 26th minute using the same technique.

The draw leaves Al-Taawoun with 23 points, while Al-Ittihad reaches 20 points, continuing its journey of setbacks after a loss in the previous round against traditional rivals Al-Ahli.

In another match in Najran, Al-Fayhaa regained its winning form after two rounds of draws, defeating Al-Okhdood 2-1 at the Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Stadium.

Al-Fayhaa took the lead with a goal from Henry Onyekuru in the 29th minute of the first half. However, Nigerian striker Godwin equalized for Al-Okhdood just before half-time. The Zambian player Fashion Sakala secured victory for Al-Fayhaa with a goal in the 66th minute.

Al-Fayhaa now has 14 points, while Al-Okhdood remains at 7 points.


October 20, 2023
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