Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has registered his first goal for Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, scoring from the penalty spot. However, his efforts couldn't prevent his side from suffering a heavy defeat against Al Hilal on Saturday evening.
Troost-Ekong's late spot kick was too little, too late, as Al Kholood went down 4-2 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The goal marked his first in five appearances for Al Kholood.
Al Kholood entered the match on the back of a 3-1 home defeat to Al Shabab, hoping to bounce back to winning ways.
Decent performance by Troost-Ekong despite defeat
Despite the incentive for a strong start, they conceded three goals in the space of seven minutes late in the first half. Kalidou Koulibaly opened the scoring in the 38th minute, followed by a goal from Malcom five minutes later, before Ali Al-Bulayhi added the third on the stroke of halftime.
Two minutes into the second half, Renan Lodi made it 4-0. Hammam Al-Hammami then pulled one back for Al Kholood in the 70th minute before Troost-Ekong converted a penalty to complete the 4-2 scoreline.
Despite the defeat, Troost-Ekong had a solid performance, registering 27 touches, 10 accurate passes, two blocks, two clearances, one interception, and five recoveries.
He also won two ground duels and two aerial duels.
However, the heavy defeat leaves Ekong and his teammates in 12th place with just four points from five games, having suffered three defeats, one win, and one draw.
