Saudi Pro League: Houssem Aouar scores in Al Ittihad victory

Algerian playmaker Houssem Aouar helped reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad snap a 3-match winless run by scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 home victory over Al Okhdoud on Monday.

هدف! ⚽️
حسام عوار يمنح الاتحاد التقدم 🟡⚫️

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— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) January 26, 2026

The hosts opened the scoring through the Algerian in 12th minute. A touch from N’Golo Kanté went into the Okhdoud penalty area and Aouar reacted brilliantly to turn and fire in a low shot that left goalkeeper Samuel Portugal with no chance.

Kanté doubled the lead for the league champions before halftime. Okhdoud made a valiant charge to claim a point in the second half by pulling a goal back before the hour mark through Burak Ince. However, the hosts held on for a needed victory.

Aouar was unfortunately unable to take part at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria due to injury, something that has been a theme this season. After missing only a month with his latest knock, he returned to action last week in a 1-2 defeat at Al Qadsia.

The former Olympique Lyonnais and AS Roma midfielder now has 5 goals and 1 assist in 16 matches this season in all competitions. He was influential last season in the title-winning campaign with 12 goals and 4 assists in league play, but now Ittihad are fifteen points behind current leaders Al Hilal with the current season officially at the midway point.