Ashleigh Plumptre scored on her return to competitive football, but Al-Ittihad were beaten 2-1 by Al-Hilal in the Saudi Women’s Super Cup semi-final, with Super Falcons team-mate Asisat Oshoala scoring the goal that sent her side into the final.
Plumptre was restored to Al-Ittihad’s starting XI after several months away from competitive action and made an immediate impact. The defender found the net in stoppage time at the end of the first half, giving Al-Ittihad a renewed chance of reaching the showpiece match.
Her goal brought the scores level and capped a significant personal moment after a lengthy absence. It was also Plumptre’s first goal for Al-Ittihad since joining the club, adding further significance to her return.
Al-Hilal, however, responded after the interval and regained the advantage through Oshoala. The experienced Super Falcons striker finished to put her team back in front and restore their lead in the semi-final.
Al-Ittihad continued to search for another equaliser, but they could not find a way through the Al-Hilal defence. Al-Hilal held on to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the Saudi Women’s Super Cup final.
The result ended Al-Ittihad’s hopes of progressing despite an encouraging display from Plumptre, whose return to the starting line-up was one of the main positives for her team.
The defender had been sidelined for several months before being selected from the start, and her goal showed the attacking contribution she can make as she works her way back towards full fitness and match sharpness.
For Al-Hilal, Oshoala’s decisive intervention proved enough to overcome Plumptre’s late first-half effort. The victory means the club will contest the final, while Al-Ittihad must reflect on a match in which they remained within touching distance after battling back before half-time.
Plumptre’s performance nevertheless offered encouragement for the remainder of the campaign. Having regained her place in Al-Ittihad’s starting XI and opened her scoring account for the club, the Super Falcons defender will now look to build on the appearance and establish herself as an important figure as the new season progresses.
The semi-final also highlighted the involvement of two Nigeria internationals on opposite sides, with Plumptre scoring for Al-Ittihad and Oshoala providing the decisive response for Al-Hilal. Yet it was Oshoala’s side who emerged from the contest with the result that mattered most, securing their passage to the Saudi Women’s Super Cup final.