Romarinho scored two goals to lead the Saudi Arabian Football Federation team to a great 3-<> victory over Uzbekistan's Olmalik "AGMK" at the start of the group stage of the AFC Champions League, despite the absence of French striker Karim Benzema on Monday.
The Saudi league champions topped Group C and have 3 points after the Iraqi Air Force drew 2-2 with Iran's Sepahan.
Al Ittihad scored twice within 4 minutes of the first half, with Aaron Camara giving him the lead in the 11th minute and Romarinho extending the lead.
⚽️Kamara opens registration for the Saudi Federation #Asia_Champions_League #الاتحاد_اجمك pic.twitter.com/c6XBhzuG6T
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 18, 2023
Romarinho returned to score from the penalty spot 3 minutes before half-time.
Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf, who participated in the absence of Brazilian Marcelo Grohe due to injury, said that his team snatched three important points at the beginning of the campaign.
"We respect every competitor of ours. Any team that plays (in the AFC Champions League) is strong."
😯How was this attack lost?
#دوري_ابطال_اسيا #الاتحاد_اجمك pic.twitter.com/A7z5VujFZz
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 18, 2023
Coach Nuno Santo chose four foreigners to participate from the start: Frenchman N'Golo Kante, Brazilian Fabinho, compatriot Romarinho and Moroccan Abderrazak Hamdallah, while Luiz Felipe sat on the bench.
AFC regulations require each team to have only five foreigners participate in the matchline-up.