AFCON 2019 Golden Boot winner Odion Ighalo was the hero for Al-Wehda FC on Thursday evening, scoring the decisive goal in their 2-1 victory over Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.
The result provides a vital boost for the Mecca-based side as they look to steer clear of the relegation zone.
Craig Goodwin opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a precise left-footed finish from the left side of the box, assisted by Abdullah Al Owaishir. Al-Wehda then doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Ighalo, demonstrating his poacher’s instinct, found the bottom right corner with a composed right-footed strike after a well-placed pass from Youssef Amyn.
Despite Al-Wehda’s control, Al-Fateh clawed back into the contest in the 57th minute. Sofiane Bendebka’s thunderous left-footed effort from outside the box reduced the deficit, setting up a tense finale.
Ighalo’s performance in numbers
Ighalo’s numbers underline his influence on the game. The Nigerian striker played 88 minutes, scoring one of Al-Wehda’s two goals and registering two shots on target from four dribble attempts, three of which were successful.
His 27 touches and seven accurate passes from 13 attempts (54% passing accuracy) illustrate his involvement in build-up play..
The former Super Eagles striker now has four goals this season, tying him with Craig Goodwin as Al-Wehda’s top scorers in the league.
The team has scored 19 goals in total this term, and Ighalo’s contributions remain pivotal.
Al-Wehda’s victory moves them two points clear of the relegation zone. Sitting 15th with 12 points from 10 games, they face a fight for survival, with William Troost-Ekong’s Al-Kholood and two others hot on their heels.
For Ighalo and his teammates, the priority remains clear: avoiding the drop and securing their top-flight status.
