William Troost-Ekong cages Karim Benzema on Al Kholood debut but Nigeria star’s good work undone by late Houssem Aouar strike

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong suffered a last-minute heartbreak in his first game for Al Kholood as the club fell to a 1-0 league defeat to Al Ittihad on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Troost-Ekong only officially joined Al Kholood this week after ending his year-long association with Greek champions, PAOK.

Still, the Nigeria international was considered fit and ready to be named in Al Kholood’s first Saudi Pro League game of the season as they hosted giants Al Ittihad.

The visitors were well stocked with quality across the pitch as they paraded former Liverpool man Fabinho, World Cup winner N’Golo Kanté and ex-Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

But with Troost-Ekong marshalling Al Kholood’s three-man defence, Benzema and co could not find a way past their stubborn hosts for 94 minutes.

However, with only a few seconds away from enjoying a perfect, clean-sheet debut, Troost-Ekong could only watch as Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar scored the only goal of the game to hand Al Ittihad all the three points at stake.

Despite the defeat, Al Kholood who are playing in the Pro League having gained promotion from the FDL last season can be impressed with their first performance of the season.

The Ar Rass-based will target their first points in the top flight when they make the trip to the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on August 29 to face Al Riyadh. Al Riyadh battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw with Odion Ighalo’s Al Wedha in their league opener.

Troost-Ekong’s experience will be key in helping Al Kholood navigate the troubled waters of the Pro League this season as the club aims to avoid relegation.

Before leaving Europe for the Middle East, Troost-Ekong played for Udinese, Watford, Salernitana, and Gent among others.

The 30-year-old defender was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year where he skippered Nigeria to a silver medal finish.