Al-Shabab and Al-Ahly Secure Final in SAFF Women’s Cup

In a gripping clash on Friday night, Riyadh witnessed an intense battle as Al-Shabab secured a narrow 5-4 victory against Al-Ittihad, earning a coveted spot in the final of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation Women’s Cup. The Al-Shabab Stadium hosted a titanic showdown, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated final against Al-Ahly, who secured their place with a triumph over Al-Qadsiah in the day’s other semifinal, as reported by Arriyadiyah.

Star forward Al-Bandari Mubarak played a pivotal role, scoring two goals in the 30th and 32nd minutes, providing Al-Shabab with a commanding lead. Despite a goal from Lili Iskanadr for Al-Ittihad in the 39th minute, Noura Ibrahim extended Al-Shabab’s advantage with another goal in the 62nd minute. A fourth goal from Fatima Mansour in the 71st minute seemed to seal the match for Al-Shabab.

However, Al-Ittihad staged a late comeback, with Salma Amani narrowing the deficit to 4-2 with a goal in the 74th minute. Although Mai Sweilem’s goal in the 87th minute appeared to secure the victory for Al-Shabab, late strikes by Seba Tawfiq and Tala Al-Ghamdi in the dying minutes proved to be mere consolations for Al-Ittihad as Al-Shabab clinched a dramatic 5-4 win.

In the day’s other semifinal, Al-Ahly battled to a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Al-Qadsiah. Moroccan star Ibtisam Jaradi netted twice, and Houria Al-Shamrani added another goal for Al-Ahly. Despite an own-goal and a strike by Ajara Njoya for Al-Qadsiah, it was not enough to prevent defeat.

The city is now abuzz with anticipation as Riyadh braces for the exhilarating final showdown between Al-Shabab and Al-Ahly in the SAFF Women’s Cup, promising another thrilling display of women’s football prowess.