RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Women’s Premier League champions Al-Nassr earned a historic victory here on their debut in the AFC Women’s Champions League on Sunday, overcoming Myanmar’s Myawady Women FC 3-0.
The Riyadh club became the first Saudi Arabia side to represent the Kingdom and win in Asia’s premier continental women’s club competition.
The two-time league champions maintained control throughout the match. There was a brace from 19-year-old striker Clara Luvanga, and a goal from forward Mubarkh Al-Saiari, who became the first Saudi Arabia player to score in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
With both teams making their debut in the competition, it was a nervy opening 20 minutes. Al-Nassr broke the deadlock through the youthful Luvanga in attack. The Tanzanian forward got the final touch to put the Riyadh club ahead on the night, before doubling her side’s advantage with a fine finish in a frantic first half.
After a slow start to the second half, a moment of brilliance from new signing Ruth Kipoyi saw the Congolese winger break free and tee up teammate Al-Saiari inside the box. The Saudi forward slotted home to seal the home side’s first victory and top Group A in the preliminary stage.
Head Coach Sandro Mendes elected to give the captain’s armband to former Real Madrid Femenino defender Kathellen Sousa on her debut, and the Brazilian international ushered the backline to a commanding clean sheet in the club’s first match of the new season.
Sousa said: “It’s a good start for us, it wasn’t a perfect game but it was a good win. We were a bit antsy at the start to be in this moment but we grew into the game and managed to get the two goals in the first half. We know what we have to work on to progress in this group.
“We’re still a new team, but from my first sessions it’s clear there’s talent here in the country. Players like myself, Clara (Luvanga) and Ruth (Kipoyi) are here to help them continue to grow the game.
“For me, every player wants to achieve history with big clubs. I came here to help this big club (to achieve history) and to grow myself, so we’re happy with the win.”
On becoming the first Saudi Arabia woman to score in the AFC Women’s Champions League, Al-Saiari said: “I’m delighted and really grateful. I went straight to Ruth Kipoyi right after scoring and just thanked her for helping me achieve that milestone and to make history.
“It means a lot to us to be here and I have to thank the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Al-Nassr for the chance to compete on this stage. We’ve worked so hard to grow women’s football here and impossible is nothing in Saudi Arabia.”
