Bounou shootout heroics claim Saudi Super Cup final spot for Al-Hilal

 

Al-Hilal secured their place in the final of the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup with a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Al-Ahli after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This marks the seventh time that Al-Hilal, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, have reached the final of the competition, having previously won the title twice.

The match was intense, with Al-Ahli taking the lead in the 66th minute through a well-executed finish by Brazilian captain Roberto Firmino, who converted a precise cross from Riyad Mahrez. Al-Hilal was on the brink of elimination but managed to equalize in the 90th minute when Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in a cross from Salem Al-Dawsari, sending the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves, Salem Al-Dawsari, Mitrovic, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic all converted their penalties. For Al-Ahli, only Firmino managed to score, while Gabri Veiga's shot was saved by Yassine Bounou, and Roger Ibanez missed the target entirely.

Al-Hilal will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Al-Nassr and Al-Taawoun in the final on Saturday.