Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri scores twice as Al-Ittihad go top of Saudi League

Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri scored twice as Al-Ittihad moved temporarily to the top of the Saudi Pro League with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly on Friday.

The Moroccan striker struck before half-time and added his second shortly after the restart to help Al-Ittihad secure their third successive league victory at Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium.

The result extended Al-Ittihad’s unbeaten start to the Saudi league season, with five wins and two draws from their opening seven matches.

En-Nesyri shines for Al-Ittihad

Steven Bergwijn put Al-Ittihad ahead in the 28th minute after receiving a pass from Colombian midfielder Richard Rios before firing a powerful effort from outside the penalty area into the net.

En-Nesyri then doubled the advantage two minutes before half-time.

The Morocco international showed good composure to meet a low cross from Nigerian team-mate George Ilenikhina and convert from close range, giving Al-Ittihad a 2-0 lead at the break.

The striker was not finished, adding his second goal in the 59th minute after once again benefiting from Ilenikhina’s delivery in front of goal.

Al-Faisaly find late consolation

Al-Faisaly managed to reduce the deficit in the 87th minute when Congolese forward Theo Bongonda found the net with a powerful effort from outside the box.

Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic was unable to keep out Bongonda’s shot, but the late goal could not prevent Al-Faisaly from suffering another defeat.

The result leaves Al-Faisaly with just three points from seven matches after four defeats and three draws, placing them 17th and second from bottom.

Al-Ittihad lead Saudi Pro League

Al-Ittihad’s victory takes them to 17 points, putting the Tigers one point clear of second-placed Al-Qadisiyah.

Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are two points further behind but have played one match fewer, meaning Al-Ittihad’s position at the top could change when those sides play their outstanding fixtures.

For En-Nesyri, the brace further underlined the importance of the Moroccan forward to Al-Ittihad’s challenge in one of the most competitive leagues in Asian football.