Ittihad Jeddah’s Ahmed Hegazi reflected on his side’s 2-1 victory over Al Shabab and believes they are a step closer to the league title.
The Tigers claimed a late win against rivals Al Shabab in the Saudi Professional League’s 24th round on Thursday evening.
Abderrazak Hamdallah gave Ittihad the early lead from the spot before Al Shabab’s Cristian Guanca levelled the scoreline from a penalty in the second half.
The hosts were reduced to ten men in stoppage time as Zakaria Hawsawi was shown a straight red card for misconduct.
In the dying moments of the game, Ittihad were awarded another penalty after VAR controversy as Hamdallah stepped up again and scored a 106th-minute winner to seal all three points.
“Al Shabab were strong and well-organised but we also have a good offensive quality,” Hegazi told SSC Sports after the game.
“We needed a reaction after losing the [Al Hilal] cup game. Our goal is to win the league and compete for all titles this season.
“These are the games that decide league titles and the players’ spirit and desire to win is greater than anything.
“We went through difficult moments, especially after the sending off but the coach had prepared us for such a scenario and we were compact.
“It was a really important victory against a tough team in a game that was a six-pointer for us,” he added.