George Ilenikhena scored and provided an assist as Al Ittihad secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Al-Ettifaq in their Saudi Pro League encounter at the Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles striker continued his impressive form in front of goal, taking his tally for the season to seven goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions as Al Ittihad ended a run of three consecutive matches without a win.
Ilenikhena opened the scoring in the 16th minute, capping a superb team move with a brilliant finish into the top corner to give the visitors an early advantage.
However, Al-Ettifaq responded in the 34th minute through Sultan Harun, who calmly converted after receiving a defence-splitting pass from Radhi Al Otaibi to restore parity at 1-1.
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Al Ittihad regained the lead eight minutes into the second half, with Ilenikhena turning provider. The 20-year-old received the ball on the edge of the box, beat his marker and delivered a precise pass across for Houssem Aouar, who tapped home to make it 2-1.
The visitors continued to dominate as the game approached its closing stages, with substitute Youssef En-Nesyri extending their advantage in the 80th minute.
The Moroccan forward struck again just five minutes later, completing his brace and sealing an emphatic 4-1 victory for Al Ittihad.
The result lifts Al Ittihad to fourth place in the Saudi Pro League standings with 20 points from nine matches, five points behind leaders Al Qadsiah, who have played a game more.
Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq drop to eighth position with 15 points from 10 matches following their third defeat of the campaign.
Al Ittihad will look to build on the victory when they face Al Diriyah in their next league fixture on Friday, October 23, while Al-Ettifaq will seek a return to winning ways when they travel to face Al Kholood on Saturday.
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