HABSI MAKES WINNING DEBUT FOR AL HILAL
It was a winning debut for Omani star Ali al Habsi with Al Hilal in the Jameel Saudi Professional League on Saturday night as the experienced goalkeeper made couple of brilliant saves to help the hosts edge past Ohod 1-0 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium in Riyadh.
Nearly two months after he signed a three-year deal with the Saudi giant Al Hilal, Habsi was picked by Argentine coach Ramon Diaz for his first competitive match with the club in a home game.
The 35 year old was also given the captain's arm band and led the team by example pulling up two outstanding saves in each half to deny Ohod from scoring.
The win maintained the defending champion's winning streak and it has now nine points from three games.
The decisive goal was scored by Al Hilal's Faisal Darwish in the 61st minute.
Speaking to local media after the match, a delighted Habsi said, “I am happy that we could earn full three points from the match on my official debut with the club in the Jameel Saudi Pro League.
“I am determined to play a key role in the success of the club and hope to give my best whenever I am given a chance.”
Since his move to Al Hilal, Habsi did feature in friendly games with the club during the Austria camp and few other friendlies. But it was only on Saturday that the Omani star, who left English Championship side Reading for Al Hilal, was handed his first start in an official game in the Saudi league.
Earlier in August, the decision of coach Diaz to drop Habsi from the Asian Champions League (ACL) squad had taken fans and football followers across the world by surprise and even led to a furore on social media.
The Omani had arrived from Reading on a high after he had claimed his second successive player of the season awards with the club.
Despite not being picked in the ACL squad, Habsi had been optimistic of making a start in the pro league and Saturday night's performance certainly has strengthened his case to be a regular No 1 goalkeeper for the team.
Al Hilal reached the ACL semifinals with a dominating win over UAE's Al Ain recently with Abdullah al Mayouf at the goal.
Habsi said that he was eager to win titles for the club and expressed satisfaction on his winning debut. “The club would like to keep the winning momentum and we all will work hard to achieve it,” said the Omani.