Al Hilal secures final berth: Kalidou Koulibaly leads the charge despite odds
Al Hilal’s journey to the final of the Kings Cup defied the odds, with Kalidou Koulibaly emerging as a pivotal figure in guiding his team to victory, despite facing adversity on the pitch.
The match against Al-Ittihad presented a formidable challenge for Al Hilal, especially after being reduced to 10 men following the expulsion of Sergej Milinković-Savić in the 42nd minute of play.
However, Koulibaly’s Blues showcased their mettle and tenacity, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory to secure their place in the final.
The encounter saw Al Hilal take the lead in the 25th minute, courtesy of a goal from Michael Richard Delgado de Oliveira.
However, their advantage was short-lived as Al-Ittihad leveled the score in the 68th minute through an Abderrazak Hamed Allah strike.
Despite being a man down, Koulibaly and his teammates refused to be deterred, regaining the lead in the dying moments of the match with a crucial goal from Saud Abdulhamid in the 81st minute.
The victory was a testament to Al Hilal’s resilience and collective spirit, with manager Jorge Jesus’ tactical acumen playing a crucial role in navigating the challenges posed by their opponents.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Koulibaly and his compatriots showcased their unwavering determination to emerge victorious, earning praise for their courage and fortitude on the field.
With their place secured in the final, Al Hilal now sets its sights on the prospect of clinching the cup-championship double.
The Blues currently hold a commanding lead in the Saudi Pro League, boasting a nine-point advantage over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
As they prepare for the final showdown, Al Hilal remains focused on maintaining their momentum and clinching silverware in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.
