It was a derby to remember in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, with Super Falcons stars Asisat Oshoala and Ashleigh Plumptre stealing the headlines through their decisive contributions of goals and assists.
Oshoala delivered the final blow, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Al Hilal twice came from behind to edge Al Ittihad 3-2 in Jeddah.
Super Falcons stars light up Saudi Women’s League
Plumptre, her fellow Nigerian international, had earlier provided the assist for Ittihad’s second goal, but her effort wasn’t enough to save her side from defeat.
Oshoala’s strike takes her tally to four goals and two assists in just four games this season, while Plumptre has now racked up four assists in as many outings.
It was a night of drama, quality, and a touch of Super Falcons magic as Al Hilal edged their fierce rivals in the tight contest.
Al Ittihad delivered the first blow in the 22nd minute when Leticia Nunes clinically finished to ignite the home crowd.
Al Hilal responded before the break as Jéssica Silva rifled home the equaliser in the 40th minute.
Silva struck again early in the second half to put Al Hilal 2-1 up, but Ittihad clawed their way back in the 74th minute as Plumptre—the Nigerian centre-back who has become something of an “assist queen”—teed up Lina Boussaha to smash home the equaliser.
Oshoala’s last minute winner seals victory
With the score tied at 2-2, the momentum briefly shifted toward the home side, but it was left to Oshoala to have the final say.
The prolific striker found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time, slotting in the winner that sealed all three points for Al Hilal.
The victory keeps Al Hilal firmly at the top as they move three points clear of second-placed Al Nassr, while Al Ittihad slump to fourth place following two consecutive defeats.
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