Odion Ighalo was found wanted today after firing blank as Al-Wehda kicked off their 2024/25 Saudi Pro League campaign with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Al-Riyadh—a match packed with goals, drama, and a few missed opportunities.
Despite having the advantage of an extra man for much of the game, Ighalo and his Al-Wehda teammates couldn’t capitalise, leaving their fans wanting more, Footballrover reports.
The game at King Abdul Aziz Stadium saw the visitors, Al-Riyadh, fight back three times to secure a point in a match that will be remembered for its intensity and late-goal drama.
Al-Wehda dominated possession and peppered the goal with 18 attempts, seven of which were on target, yet they faltered when it mattered most.
The first half was relatively tame until Craig Goodwin fired the home side into the lead just five minutes before the break.
Craig Goodwin puts Al-Wehda ahead!
#Alwehda #Alriyadh #الوحدة_الرياضpic.twitter.com/4Xu6KijpuW— Saudi League BUZZ 🐐 (@SaudiLeagueBuzz) August 22, 2024
The second half, however, was a different story.
Super sub Bernard Mensah quickly levelled the score for Al-Riyadh just six minutes after the restart.
Moments later, Al-Riyadh’s Hussain Ali Alnowaiqi received a straight red card, seemingly giving Al-Wehda the upper hand.
Craig Goodwin then doubled his tally, restoring Al-Wehda’s lead, but the resilient visitors equalised again in the 85th minute through Ibraheem Bayesh.
The match seemed all but decided when Murad Khadhari put Al-Wehda ahead for the third time deep into stoppage time.
Murad Khadary thought he secured the win for Al-Wehda with a goal in the 90+4th minute.
#Alwehda #Alriyadh #الوحدة_الرياضpic.twitter.com/lz7dszyVRj— Saudi League BUZZ 🐐 (@SaudiLeagueBuzz) August 22, 2024
But in a game that refused to go according to script, Al-Riyadh’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Kal found the back of the net just four minutes later, ensuring both teams shared the spoils.
As for Ighalo, the 35-year-old Nigerian striker played for just 66 minutes before being substituted for Vito van Crooij.
Despite his team’s attacking display, Ighalo struggled to make a significant impact.
Although he managed two shots, missed one big chance, and blocked a shot, the ex-Super Eagles forward made seven accurate passes.
With only 13 touches of the ball, two recoveries, and one offside, it was a quiet evening for Ighalo, who was never dispossessed but did commit one foul.
Now, Ighalo and his teammates must regroup quickly as they prepare to host Al-Orubah next at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium on Wednesday.
There’s no doubt they’ll be looking to bounce back with a more clinical performance—and hopefully, Ighalo will be at the heart of it.
Recall that he scored 15 goals for Alwehda last season.
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