Nigerian defender, William Troost-Ekong captained Al Kholood to their first-ever King’s Cup semi-final following a dramatic 4–3 victory over Al Khaleej, the greatest and farthest cup run in the club’s history.
Troost-Ekong delivered a composed and authoritative performance from start to finish. The Super Eagles centre-back:
-
Completed 20 passes, including three into the final third
-
Delivered three accurate long balls
-
Registered five clearances and four ball recoveries
His leadership and defensive organisation were crucial in helping Al Kholood withstand late pressure from Al Khaleej and secure a place in the final four.
This season marks the first time Al Kholood have ever reached the quarter-finals of the King’s Cup, and they have now gone one step further.
Their remarkable journey began in the:
-
Round of 32: 2–1 win over Al Bukayriyah
-
Round of 16: 1–0 win over Al Najma
Troost-Ekong has been ever-present in the cup campaign and has also started every league match this season, cementing his status as one of the team’s undisputed leaders both on and off the pitch.
Read More: “Most Difficult Moments of My Career” – Troost-Ekong On Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Failure
Read More: “Pain Will Make Super Eagles Stronger”- Troost-Ekong Speaks After WC Playoff Defeat
Semi-Final Test Against Al Ittihad
Al Kholood will now face Al Ittihad in the semi-finals, with the winner advancing to meet either Al Ahli or Al Hilal in the final of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious cup competition.
Should Troost-Ekong lift the King’s Cup as captain, it would represent a monumental achievement.
Not only the greatest honour in Al Kholood’s history but also a moment that would firmly establish the Nigerian defender as a club legend, given the calibre of elite teams still in the competition.
