Saphir Taider wasted no time gaining popularity with his new Saudi fans.
Trailing to a goal in their second league game away at Al-Ittifaq, Taider on his debut assumed responsibility and despatched a 48th minute penalty into the net for the equalizer.
Unfortunately an 89th minute goal by Saudi u20 international, Ibrahim Mahnashi won the day and sealed the points for Al-Ittifaq.
Taider’s second game, last weekend, against Al-Fateh saw him begin on the bench with German coach Michael Skibbe introducing the Algerian into the action for Venezuelan Juan Pablo Anor in the 76th minute.