Saleh Al-Shehri's penalty kick in the 21st minute held up as the winner as Saudi Arabia shut out Haiti 1-0 in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A play on Sunday night in San Diego.
Al-Shehri drew a foul in the penalty area on Frantzdy Pierrot in the 18th minute, then converted a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner to lift Saudi Arabia (1-0-0, 3 points) in the opener for both teams.
Haiti had an opportunity to pull even in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, but Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi (four saves) denied Dany Jean in the center of the goal on a right-footed shot from outside the box.
Haiti (0-1-0, 0 points) posted a decisive edge in corner kicks (11-1), but Saudi Arabia finished with more shots on goal (5-4) and shot attempts (13-7).
Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide finished with three saves.
Earlier Sunday, Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz expressed her pride and honor in the participation of the Saudi national football team in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Princess Reema affirmed that Saudi Arabia’s participation in the continental tournament represents a significant step in the Kingdom’s football journey and development.
“I am confident in their ability to deliver an honorable performance that reflects the aspirations of our beloved country and embodies the development and excellence achieved by Saudi sports,” said the Ambassador.
