Bounou shootout heroics claim Saudi Super Cup final spot for Al-Hilal
ABHA: Al-Hilal reached the final of the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup on Tuesday with 4-1 penalty shootout win over Al-Ahli after their semifinal ended 1-1.
It will be the seventh time that the reigning Saudi Pro League champions have contested the final of the competition, having won the title twice.
Al-Hilal were moments away from elimination, and a first defeat to Al-Ahli in four years, before Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic headed a 90th minute equalizer from Salem Al-Dawsari’s cross to take the match to penalties.
Al-Ahli had taken the lead in the 66th minute through Brazilian captain Roberto Firmino’s first-time left-foot finish from a Riyad Mahrez pinpoint cross.
The shootout saw successful Al-Hilal kicks from Ruben Neves, Al-Dawsari, Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
In contrast, only Firmino converted for Al-Ahli, with Gabri Veiga’s effort brilliantly saved by Yassine Bounou, and Roger Ibanez hitting his effort over the bar.
Al-Hilal will now contest Saturday’s final against the winner of the second semifinal between Al-Nassr and Al-Taawoun on Wednesday.
