October 02, (THEWILL) — Asisat Oshoala netted a stoppage-time winner to give Al Hilal a 3-2 victory over Al Ittihad on Thursday, maintaining the Riyadh club’s perfect start to the Saudi Women’s Premier League season. The Nigerian forward struck in the 90+3rd minute to defeat her Super Falcons teammate Ashleigh Plumptre, with the pair facing each other for the first time since Oshoala left Bay FC. The striker who claimed September’s Player of the Month award, ensured the visitors returned home with maximum points.
Leticia Nunes opened the scoring for the hosts in the 25th minute, finishing from close range after a rapid counter-attack. Portuguese forward Jessica Silva levelled matters five minutes before half-time with a low drive from distance, then completed her brace early in the second period. Silva’s curled effort in the 50th minute found the top corner and appeared to have settled the contest in Al Hilal’s favour.
Algerian international Lina Boussaha headed Al Ittihad level with five minutes remaining, meeting Plumptre’s corner delivery to exploit defensive gaps. The equaliser, arriving in the 85th minute, pushed the match into added time and set up a dramatic conclusion. Both teams had entered the fixture with strong records, Al Hilal unbeaten through three wins and Al Ittihad challenging near the top of the table.
Oshoala’s decisive moment came when her shot beat the Al Ittihad keeper Zala Mersnik, sparking celebrations among the visitors. The goal took Al Hilal three points clear at the league summit while dropping Al Ittihad to fourth position. Plumptre, known for defensive solidity and creative play, contributed positively in build-up play and to their initial equaliser despite the defeat.
Oshoala’s adaptation since her arrival has yielded three goals, notifying the League of her status and numbering among the league’s leading forwards. The result strengthens Al Hilal’s title credentials in the current campaign and demonstrates the technical quality Nigerian internationals bring to the competition.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
