Ex-Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo brilliant as Al Hilal hang on to slim title hopes

The Nigerian international kept up his excellent form for the reigning champions as they arrested a three-game winless run at Damak

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo scored one and provided another assist to inspire Al Hilal to a 4-2 comeback win over Damak at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in a matchday 26 clash in the Saudi Pro League.

Ighalo had fired blanks as Al Hilal stumbled to a 2-2 draw at home to Sharjah Cultural Club and lost 0-2 to Al Rayyan, both in the AFC Champions League, before losing 2-0 at Al Feiha in a league game.

But the former Manchester United striker was his side’s best performer as the reigning champions secured their 15th win of the campaign.

Ighalo set up Musab Al Juwayr’s equaliser after Zelaya had given the home side the lead from the penalty spot.

Mansor Hamzi restored Damac’s lead, but Matheus Pereira levelled proceedings for Al Hilal yet again.

Marega then gave the visitors the lead for the first time in the encounter before Ighalo made sure of the three points in second-half stoppage time.

The former Watford hero has scored eight goals in his eight league matches since his January move from Al Shabab, with his overall 20 goals still the best in the division.

The latest victory moves Al Hilal back to second on the league table, nine points behind Al Ittihad, with a game in hand on the league leaders.

Two more wins for Al Ittihad out of the remaining five matches will see Al Hilal wave goodbye to the title they won with aplomb last year.