Six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala scored for Al Hilal Women in their 3-2 defeat to Al Nassr Women in the Saudi Women’s Cup final, www.aclsports.com reports.
Oshoala converted a late penalty after winning the spot-kick herself to register Al Hilal’s second goal in a dramatic extra-time contest.
The Nigerian forward ends her debut season in Saudi Arabia with 30 goal contributions, including 24 goals and six assists across all competitions, while extending her scoring streak to five consecutive matches.
Al Hilal had taken the lead shortly before half-time when Jéssica Silva curled a fine left-footed effort into the bottom corner in the 44th minute after combining with Fatimah Mansour. Oshoala had earlier gone close in the 42nd minute, but her header went over the bar.
Al Nassr responded after the restart and gradually took control, eventually finding an equaliser in the 86th minute through Tanzanian forward Clara Luvanga, who finished from close range to force extra time.
Momentum swung decisively in the additional period as Luvanga struck twice more, scoring in the 97th minute before completing her hat-trick in the 105th minute with a composed finish to put Al Nassr 3-1 ahead.
Despite the setback, Oshoala continued to drive Al Hilal forward, forcing a block from distance in the 103rd minute and narrowly missing again in the 114th minute. She eventually reduced the deficit from the penalty spot late on, but Al Nassr held firm to seal victory.
The triumph also capped a dominant season over Al Hilal for Al Nassr, having earlier defeated them in the Saudi Women’s Premier Challenge Cup final, alongside their Saudi Women’s Premier League success.
