"When You Can't Win, Take A Point": Diaby Reflects On Intense Al Ittihad Sea Derby

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Post on Apr 07, 2025

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When You Can't Win, Take a Point: Diaby Reflects on Intense Al Ittihad Sea Derby

The Jeddah derby between Al Ittihad and Al Ahli is always a fiery affair, a clash of titans in Saudi Arabian football. This season's encounter proved no different, ending in a pulsating 1-1 draw that left both sides with mixed feelings. Al Ittihad's N'Golo Kanté, a summer signing and pivotal player, was unfortunately sidelined due to injury, leaving a noticeable gap in the midfield. After the match, influential midfielder, Moussa Diaby, offered his perspective on a game that, despite a valiant effort, ultimately failed to deliver a victory.

A Hard-Fought Draw in the Jeddah Derby

The match, played under intense pressure and a charged atmosphere, saw Al Ittihad dominate possession for large periods. However, Al Ahli, renowned for their resilience and counter-attacking prowess, proved a formidable opponent. The opening goal came courtesy of [insert Al Ahli scorer's name], a stunning strike that showcased the quality within the Al Ahli squad. Despite going behind, Al Ittihad fought back relentlessly, eventually equalizing through [insert Al Ittihad scorer's name] – a goal that ignited the home crowd. The remainder of the game was a closely contested battle, with both sides creating chances but ultimately failing to find a winner. The final whistle blew on a 1-1 draw, a result that left a sense of frustration but also a grudging respect for Al Ahli's performance.

Diaby's Post-Match Analysis: A Point Gained, Not Lost

Speaking after the intense match, Moussa Diaby emphasized the importance of the point gained. "It wasn't the result we wanted, of course," he conceded. "We came into this Jeddah derby aiming for all three points. Al Ahli are a strong team, and they played well. We dominated possession, created chances, but sometimes football doesn't always go your way. The important thing is, when you can't win, you take a point."

Diaby highlighted the team's determination despite the absence of key players like Kanté. "N'Golo's absence was felt," he admitted. "He's a crucial part of our midfield, but we showed our strength in depth. Everyone worked tirelessly, and I'm proud of the team's effort and commitment. We need to learn from this game, analyze where we can improve, and move forward."

Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption

The draw against Al Ahli maintains Al Ittihad's position in the Saudi Pro League table, but the team will be determined to return to winning ways in their upcoming matches. Diaby's mature assessment of the game underscores the team's resilience and focus on long-term objectives. The absence of Kanté serves as a reminder of the importance of squad depth, a factor that will be crucial as Al Ittihad navigates the demanding schedule of the Saudi Pro League season. The Jeddah derby, however, will be remembered for its intensity, its drama, and the hard-fought point earned by Al Ittihad. The race for the title is far from over.

Keywords: Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Jeddah derby, Saudi Pro League, Moussa Diaby, N'Golo Kanté, football, soccer, Saudi Arabia, draw, post-match analysis, sports news.