JEDDAH — Algerian star Houssem Aouar has become a symbol of joy for Al Ittihad, leading his team to a crucial last-minute victory for the second consecutive round by scoring a decisive penalty that sealed a 2-1 win over Al Taawoun. Al Taawoun took the lead through Moussa Barrow in the 59th minute, but Al Ittihad responded quickly with a goal from Frenchman Karim Benzema in the 70th minute. In the eighth minute of stoppage time, Aouar stepped up to convert a penalty, securing all three points for his team. In Dammam, Al Shabab rejuvenated their campaign with their first win of the new Saudi Pro League season, defeating hosts Al Khaleej 1-0 thanks to a goal from Belgian Yannick Carrasco at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Stadium. Al Shabab earned three valuable points after their previous setback against Al Ettifaq in Riyadh. Despite not yet performing convincingly, the absence of key players, including injured Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, may explain the struggles. Al Khaleej, meanwhile, were left disappointed after losing at home following their impressive victory over Damac in the previous round.
