Al-Hilal produced an exceptional first-half performance on the last day of the Saudi Pro League season to wrap up a record 15th league title for Al-Za’eem after beating Al-Fateh 4-1 in front of over 24,000 spectators at the King Saud University stadium in Riyadh.
Al-Hilal knew a win would see them pip Al-Ahli, who they led by a point, to the title and they had everything wrapped up by half-time after Omar Khribin announced his return from injury with a hat-trick inside 45 minutes. Moroccon Achraf Bencharki got the other which meant the title celebrations could start early and that Al-Ahli's 1-0 win over Ohod proved irrelevant.
The big news from Al-Ahli was that Ukrainian coach Sergei Rebrov dropped his top-scorer Omar Al-Somah after their much publicised fall-out after the 0-0 draw with Al-Hilal last week.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, recalled their fit-again Syrian star for the first time in three months and he showed them exactly what they had been missing just when they needed it. The Asian Player of the Year replaced the dropped Gelmin Rivas and he served notice of is intent by hitting the bar after just four minutes from a 25-yard free-kick.
Three minutes later, after Czech referee Pavel Královec had booked Al-Fateh’s defender Abdullah Al-Dossari for a foul on the Syrian striker on the edge of the box, Khribin picked himself up, dusted himself off and stepped up to score the opening goal, beating the Al-Fateh keeper Ali Al-Mazidi who got a hand on the ball but failed to save the Syrian striker’s effort, which seemed to go right through the keeper’s hands.
With any nerves settled, the Syrian doubled Al-Hilal's lead on 14 minutes when he raced onto a long ball from the defence, beating the offside trap and with the onrushing custodian to beat, the striker coolly and calmly tucked the ball under the keeper. The roar from the Al-Hilal faithful was deafening. They knew it was going to be their day.
Al-Za’eem were now in the ascendency and confidently moving the ball around the field — and moments later Khribin could have completed his hat-trick but failed to connect with Ezequiel Cerutti’s headed knock-down in the six-yard box.
But Khribin completed his hat-trick on 33 minutes to put the game to bed, beating the Al-Fateh goalkeeper with a low shot in the six-yard box that went under the keeper after Bencharki had put Cerutti clear down the right flank.
Al-Hilal were now putting on a show and pulling out all the party tricks. Bencharki's delightful back-heel found Yasser Al-Shahrani and the full-back got down the left to cut it back to Bencharki to score the fourth five minutes before half-time. Game, set and match.
Brazilian João Pedro netted a late consolation for Al-Fateh in the second half, but the game had been won long before and the celebrations started long before the final whistle.
Omar Khribin scores a hat-trick as Al-Hilal wrap up the Saudi Pro League title
Omar Khribin scores a hat-trick as Al-Hilal wrap up the Saudi Pro League title
- Al-Hilal beat Al-Fateh 4-1 on the final day
- Syrian star Khribin scores a first-half hat-trick
Bangladesh goes into bat for cricket in Saudi Arabia, ambassador says
- M. Delwar Hossain: I look forward to meeting the SACF chairman and discussing how we can work together for better cooperation
- Former Pakistan captain, and one of the great allrounders, Shahid Afridi, was recently in the Kingdom, and met SACF CEO Tariq Ziad Sagga
RIYADH: Bangladesh Ambassador M. Delwar Hossain says that his country is looking forward to working with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and extending all cooperation as the sport’s popularity in the Kingdom grows.
The ambassador told Arab News: “Cricket is an important area developing in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi cricket team is doing well at the Asian Cricket Council events. We are following up the developments, and are in touch with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation.”
The Saudi cricket team won the ACC Men’s Challenger Cup, both the first and the second competition, played in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2023 and 2024. The tournament is a part of the qualification pathway for the Asia Cup. The finalists qualify for the Premier Cup, whose winner goes on to the Asia Cup.
Hossain said that his predecessor, ambassador Mohammad Javed Patwary, met SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud last year, and they had signed an agreement between the Bangladesh and Saudi cricket boards.
The SACF chief was also invited to visit Bangladesh to see cricket developments there and decide what kind of cooperation could be extended from the Bangladeshi side. He was a keen supporter, according to the embassy officials who accompanied the previous ambassador during the meeting.
“I am new here, and look forward to meeting the SACF chairman and discussing how we can work together for better cooperation,” Hossain told Arab News.
Bangladesh is a good cricket side, currently ranked in the top ten across all formats: Test, ODI and T20 internationals.
Many Bangladeshi expatriates play cricket at different clubs in Saudi Arabia. Bangladeshi expatriates have been invited to join matches organized by the SACF with employees of various companies as part of corporate cricket.
Recently Bangladeshi international schools have also been engaged in the game — both male and female students — for separate matches organized by the SACF.
With the game growing by leaps and bounds in the Kingdom, many developments are taking place. The Red Sea city of Jeddah hosted the TATA IPL mega auction at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in November 2024, which attracted international cricket stars and the celebrity owners of the IPL franchises.
The SACF described the TATA IPL mega auction as “a historic sporting achievement in Jeddah.”
Former Pakistan captain, and one of the great allrounders, Shahid Afridi, was recently in the Kingdom, and met SACF CEO Tariq Ziad Sagga, describing it as an inspiring experience, at King Abdullah University Of Science And Technology (KAUST) Winter Enrichment Program 2025.
“Honored to be invited to the @kaust_news Winter Enrichment Program 2025! Thrilled to champion cricket and sports empowerment alongside our star Olympian @ArshadOlympian1, CEO @Cricketsaudi @tzsagga and GM Iqbal Sikandar. A pleasure engaging with the brilliant faculty, students and community here, alongside @ZafarxMalik, CEO of @SAFoundationN. Together, we continue to drive the spirit of sports forward!,” Afridi posted on X.
Pakistani cricketing legends, including Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, have also been visiting the Kingdom and held meetings with the SACF chairman to discuss the development of cricket and ways to cooperate.
Indian cricket legend and former captain Rahul Dravid, head coach of the Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals, also attended the NEOM cricket program recently.
Dubai set for second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- Athletes from children’s, youth, adult and masters categories will take part at Al-Nasr CLub on Feb. 8-9
ABU DHABI: The second round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship will take place this weekend (Feb. 8-9) at Al-Nasr Club in Dubai.
It will feature competition in the No-Gi division with athletes representing clubs and academies from across the country.
Participants in the U-12, U-14, and U-16 categories will compete on Day 1, followed by youth, adults and masters on Day 2.
Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, emphasized that the second championship was a pioneering model for developing talent across technical, physical and mental levels, creating a pathway for future champions. He said that the No-Gi competitions allowed athletes to experiment with innovative strategies and techniques, further enhancing their ability to adapt to the diverse challenges of the sport.
“The great turnout for the No-Gi competitions reflects the sustainable development of the sport and the growing interest in it at all levels,” he said. “The participation of younger age groups has become one of the championship’s key pillars, showcasing the success of the federation’s strategy to discover and nurture new generations of talent and future champions.
“The championship draws athletes and their families into a distinctive and supportive environment, strengthening community ties and reflecting the noble values jiu-jitsu is known for, such as respect, loyalty and teamwork,” Al-Dhaheri said. “It also promotes the importance of pursuing sports as a healthy lifestyle, further establishing its position as one of the country’s most prominent sporting and social events.”
Germany’s president visits Riyadh training center for briefing on women’s football development in Saudi Arabia
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the first German head of state to visit Saudi Arabia, was accompanied by Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal
- Regional Training Centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are nurturing football talent in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation hosted Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Riyadh Regional Training Center on Monday.
Steinmeier, the first German head of state to visit Saudi Arabia, has travelled to the Kingdom to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of a three-day tour of the Middle East.
Steinmeier visited the Riyadh Girls’ RTC for a briefing on the development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia. His appearance highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to developing sport across all levels in the country.
Steinmeier was accompanied by Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi.
The Riyadh RTC is one of four such training centers across the Kingdom that are developing football talent in a safe, educational, and supportive environment.
The centers focus on physical health, social skills and mental well-being. There are facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.
The Riyadh Girls’ RTC was launched by the SAFF in 2021. Now operating for the fourth year, there are 60 female players enrolled from under-8 to under-15.
The Jeddah center, in its third year, has 100 female players, while there are 80 in Dammam, and 60 in Madinah.
The work of the RTCs to prepare players for elite-level competition has proved vital since their launch, with 60 percent of the under-17 women’s national team scouted from the centers during the 2023/2024 season.
Saudi Pro League expands global footprint with Brazil push
- SPL executives are in South America to meet Brazilian League, Brazilian Football Confederation
- There are more Brazilian players in the SPL than from any other overseas nation
SAO PAULO: The Saudi Pro League has started a strategic expansion drive into Brazil with the aim of strengthening ties with one of the world’s biggest, most enthusiastic football markets.
The SPL is currently home to 26 Brazilian players, more than any other overseas nation. With more than 100 matches streamed on YouTube in Brazil via Canal GOAT and Band, the league reached 50 million views in 2023-24, creating a solid platform for an initiative which strives to deepen engagement with Brazilian fans, broaden the SPL’s visibility, and create new commercial opportunities.
As part of its strategy, SPL executives are presently in Brazil to meet representatives from the Brazilian League, the Brazilian Football Confederation and leading sports marketing agencies, as well as existing and potential partners.
Mohammed Basrawi, the Saudi Pro League’s general manager of marketing, communication and content, said: “Brazilians have a deep and passionate football culture, and we want to bring them closer to the excitement of the SPL by establishing a long-term and immersive presence in the country.”
The SPL is launching official Brazilian social media channels to provide fans with localized content, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive engagement opportunities. The league will also introduce a local fan community to enhance its connection with Brazilian supporters. Additionally, the SPL’s presence in Brazil will extend to key football events, ensuring strong on-the-ground engagement at key points in the football calendar.
By investing in Brazil, the SPL is solidifying its global stature while also embracing the passion and heritage that define Brazilian football, marking an exciting new chapter in the league’s international journey.
Tatum shines as Celtics down Cavs, Lakers thrash Clippers
- Kyrie Irving scored 34 points but it was not enough to stop the Dallas Mavericks from taking a 118-116 defeat against Philadelphia 76ers buoyed by the return of Joel Embiid
- Karl-Anthony Towns scored 27 points and hauled down 20 rebounds to help the New York Knicks to a 121-115 win over the Raptors
LOS ANGELES: Jayson Tatum scored 22 points as the Boston Celtics laid down a postseason marker against the high-flying Cleveland Cavaliers with a 112-105 victory on the road on Tuesday.
In a heavyweight showdown between the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers and the second-ranked Celtics, Boston produced a clinical display to seal a deserved win.
Tatum led the Boston scoring but it was the Celtics’ balanced offense that proved too much for the Cavaliers.
Tatum was one of five Celtics players to finish in double figures, while Derrick White’s 20-point contribution — which included six three-pointers — played a key role in securing a Boston victory.
Kristaps Porzingis finished with 19 points and Jaylen Brown 16 while Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland scoring with 31 points.
Boston had looked poised to inflict a crushing defeat after outscoring Cleveland 28-15 in the first quarter before opening up a mammoth 20-point lead in the second.
But after trailing 43-23 midway through the second quarter, Cleveland came roaring back to cut the deficit to 10 points at halftime.
The Cavs kept chipping away at the Boston advantage in the second half but some superb shooting by the Celtics ensured the visitors always kept the hosts at arm’s length.
Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers recruit Luka Doncic looked on from the bench as his new teammates demolished the Los Angeles Clippers 122-97.
LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 26 points while Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves added 20 points apiece.
The Lakers improved to 29-19 with the win and are sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
“We’re just trying to play good basketball and keep stacking days, tonight was another one,” James said. “We came out with the right mindset, we had a great scheme and we executed that.”
In other games, Kyrie Irving scored 34 points but it was not enough to stop the Dallas Mavericks from slipping to a 118-116 defeat against a Philadelphia 76ers lineup buoyed by the return of Joel Embiid.
Embiid, who has missed the past month with a knee and foot injury, produced a superb triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and scored the go-ahead basket with 22 seconds remaining to help the Sixers claim a precious win.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers scoring with 33 points, with 13 assists and four rebounds.
The Mavericks were without new recruit Anthony Davis, who was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers.
Davis is still nursing an abdominal strain but is expected to be ready to make his debut later this week, either against Boston on Thursday or against Houston on Saturday.
In Toronto, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 27 points and hauled down 20 rebounds to help the New York Knicks to a 121-115 win over the Raptors.
The pre-game ceremony once again saw Canadian fans boo the US national anthem in protest at US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
In New York, the struggling Brooklyn Nets (17-33) upset the Houston Rockets 99-97 thanks to a D’Angelo Russell three-pointer with three seconds remaining.
