Al Jandal, a first division team, caused a major upset by defeating Al Ahli in the Round of 32 of the King’s Cup with a score of 2-1 in a match held at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah. The victory was sealed with goals from Abdullah Mattuq in the 24th minute and a penalty converted by Yassine Amari in the 30th minute. Despite Al Ahli reducing the deficit with a goal from Ivan Toney in the 83rd minute, Al Jandal managed to maintain their lead until the final moments. The win secured Al Jandal a spot in the Round of 16, while Al Ahli was eliminated from the tournament early.
Led by national coach Ziad Al-Afar, Al Jandal executed their game plan effectively to secure the unexpected victory over Al Ahli. This win came as a blow to Al Ahli, who lost their chance to win a second title of the season under German coach Matthias Jaissle after being eliminated from the Saudi Super Cup in the semifinals. With the stunning performance against a top-tier team like Al Ahli, Al Jandal has proven their potential and determination to compete at a higher level.
In another match in Dammam, Al Ittifaq advanced to the Round of 16 with a victory over Al Adalah, with Cameroonian striker Ekambi scoring two goals to secure the win. The first half of the game was goalless, but Ekambi broke the deadlock in the 77th minute and sealed the victory with a second goal in stoppage time. The victory for Al Ittifaq was a result of Ekambi’s clinical finishing and the team’s overall strong performance on the field.
The unexpected results in the Round of 32 of the King’s Cup highlight the competitiveness and unpredictability of football in Saudi Arabia. Lower division teams like Al Jandal have shown that they are capable of upsetting stronger opponents, proving that in football, anything can happen on any given day. With strong performances from players like Ekambi and teams like Al Jandal, the race for the King’s Cup title becomes even more exciting, as underdogs continue to challenge the traditional powerhouses in Saudi football.
The Round of 16 is set to feature a mix of top-tier and lower division teams, creating an interesting dynamic for the upcoming matches. Teams like Al Jandal and Al Ittifaq have already shown their potential to cause upsets and make a deep run in the tournament. As the competition intensifies, fans can expect more thrilling matches and surprising results, as teams battle it out for a chance to lift the prestigious King’s Cup trophy.
Overall, the Round of 32 of the King’s Cup has set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with lower division teams making their mark and challenging the established order in Saudi football. The remaining rounds promise to deliver more thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes, as teams compete for glory and the opportunity to etch their names in the history of Saudi football. With the passion and competitiveness on display, the King’s Cup continues to be a source of excitement and entertainment for football fans across the Kingdom.
