Midfielder Mohamed Al-Shalhoub scored a brace to guide Al-Hilal to the final of the Saudi league after a hard fought 2-1 win over Ittihad Jeddah in the semi-finals on Sunday. Al Shalhoub netted in the 4th and 12th minutes of the first half of extra time while Mohamed Nour scored Ittihad's only goal in the 6th minute of the fourth period. The win maintained Hilal's chances in retaining their title as they will next take on rivals Al-Shabab in the final on Friday. Regular time ended in a goalless draw thanks to the heroics of both goalkeepers. Hilal enjoyed most of the possession and threatened Ittihad's goal on several occasions especially in the first-half while the Asian champions controlled the majority of the second-half. Hilal's salvation came when Al-Shalhoub converted a 94th minute spot-kick. The Saudi international compounded Ittihad's misery when he added the second for the home side eight minutes later. Nour's 4th period goal proved insufficient for Ittihad as Hilal went on to win the game 2-1.
