Asisat Oshoala scored the winning goal as Al Hilal came from behind to defeat Al Ittihad 2-1 and secure a place in the final of the Saudi Women’s Super Cup, Trybal News reports.
The semi-final featured three Nigerian internationals, with Oshoala and new signing Christy Ucheibe lining up for Al Hilal, while Ashleigh Plumptre captained Al Ittihad.
Ucheibe made her competitive debut for Al Hilal following her recent move from Portuguese side Benfica, while Plumptre was making her first start in 200 days after recovering from a persistent foot injury.
Plumptre marked her return in impressive fashion, opening the scoring shortly before half-time. The defender reacted quickest after Al Hilal failed to clear a cross and finished from inside the area to give Al Ittihad the lead.
Al Hilal responded strongly after the break and drew level through Al Bandari Mobarak before Oshoala completed the comeback in the 72nd minute.
The Super Falcons forward produced the decisive finish to put Al Hilal ahead, with the Riyadh-based side holding on in the closing stages to book their place in the final.
The result ends Al Ittihad’s hopes of lifting the Super Cup, while Plumptre can take encouragement from a goalscoring return after her lengthy absence.
Al Hilal will face Al Nassr in Saturday’s final at King Fahd Sports City after the defending champions defeated Al Ahli 5-2 in the other semi-final.
