Ighalo’s two goals, assist not enough as Al Shabab lose ground in title race

ODION Ighalo scored twice and had an assist on Friday night but his club Al Shabab still lost 4-3 to Al Ettifaq.

Al Shabab rendered the Nigerian striker’s contributions meaningless by blowing a two-goal lead and denting their own Saudi Pro League title chances.

Ighalo scored the game’s first goal in the 11th minute and doubled his side’s advantage in the 22nd minute with a penalty.

However, the hosts fought back, reducing the deficit through Walid Azarou five minutes before the break.

Al Ettifaq drew level three minutes into the second half through Souleymane Doukara before taking the lead for the first time in the 68th minute as Azarou completed his brace.

Ighalo, 31, was again involved when Al Shabab equalised, the retired Super Eagles star setting up Fabio Martins on the 75th minute.

Al Ettifaq bagged the winner in the 83rd minute through Mohammed Marzouq to land a big blow on Al Shabab’s title ambitions.

Al Shabab are still in second place in the league but they fell four points behind leaders Al Hilal with just three matches left in the campaign.

Ighalo, who joined Al Shabab in February from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, has scored five goals and made two assists in 10 Saudi Professional League appearances.