Ahli defended its title in the Saudi Federation Under-17 Cup after defeating its home rival Al-Ittihad, in the final, 3-2, at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here Thursday. Abdullah Al-Amoudi of Al-Ahli gave his team the lead in the 15th minute before Al-Bara'a Ba-Adheem increased the margin in the 36th minute. One minute later, Yousof Ba-Oaidan scored for Al-Ittihad. Six minutes after the break, Fahd Al-Muwallad of Al-Ittihad tied the score. But Ahmed Al-Malki sealed the win for Al-Ahli in the first session of the extra time. Tariq Kayyal, member of the Saudi Football Federation, handed the trophy and the gold medals to Al-Ahli players. Al-Ittihad players were awarded silver medals. With ten goals in the competition, Al-Ahli striker Abdullah Al-Amoudi received the top scorer award. In 2008, Al-Ahli had defeated Hitteen 2-0 in the final that was held at the same stadium. Some of Al-Ittihad supporters expected that their team's administration would submit a protest letter to the Saudi Football Federation regarding one of Al-Ahli players' “unlawful” participation. “The participation of Al-Ahli's player Ahmed Bari unlawful,” Bakhit Al-Saher, one of the fans told Saudi Gazette. He added that Bari is not under 17. “He is at least 23 years old,” Al-Saher claimed. “This is a clear violation of the rules of the competition and I'm sure that Al-Ittihad administration will do something,” he said.
