Super Falcons winger Francisca Ordega found the net, while Ashleigh Plumptre captained the side, as Al-Ittihad Ladies secured a dominant 6–1 victory over NEOM on Sunday to book their place in the semi-finals of the Saudi Women’s Premier Challenge Cup.
The emphatic win underlined Al-Ittihad’s superiority in Group B, as they finished the group stage with maximum points and set up a high-profile semi-final clash.
Ordega Strikes Again Against Familiar Opponents
Al-Ittihad asserted control from the opening whistle, with Leticia Nunes opening the scoring to give her side an early lead.
The advantage was doubled in the 30th minute when Francisca Ordega produced a clinical finish to make it 2–0. The goal continued Ordega’s impressive record against NEOM, having also scored against them in their previous league meeting.
Her strike ensured Al-Ittihad went into the break firmly in command, carrying a two-goal cushion into halftime.
Plumptre Marshals the Defence with Authority
At the heart of Al-Ittihad’s commanding performance was Ashleigh Plumptre, who led the team as captain.
The Nigerian international organized the defence with composure, communicated effectively across the back line, and ensured defensive discipline throughout the contest. Plumptre’s leadership played a key role in limiting NEOM’s attacking threat and maintaining Al-Ittihad’s control across both halves.
Second-Half Rout Seals Qualification
Any hopes of a NEOM comeback were extinguished early in the second half when an own goal shortly after the restart extended Al-Ittihad’s lead and decisively shifted momentum.
From there, Lina Boussaha took centre stage as Al-Ittihad turned dominance into a rout. The attacking midfielder delivered a devastating performance, scoring a hat-trick as NEOM was reduced to a late consolation goal, offering little resistance as the gulf in quality became evident.
Semi-Final Clash Set in Riyadh
The result confirmed Al-Ittihad’s second-place finish in Group B with maximum points from two matches, sealing their passage into the semi-finals.
They will now face Al Nassr on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the Inaya Medical Colleges Stadium in Riyadh.
In the other semi-final, Nigerian star and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala starred for Al Hilal, scoring a hat-trick in a commanding 5–0 win over Al Ahli to secure her side’s place in the last four
