Young Lions on the Edge: Al Hilal U21 face a pivotal test against Ettifaq in the Elite Jooy League
21 February 2026
Ahead of the clash
In the Elite Jooy League, the under-21s travel to Damman to face Ettifaq in a critical late-stage showdown. Ettifaq currently sit atop the standings, while Al Hilal aims to rebound after a sequence of losses across several youth levels within the club. The match is set for Tuesday at the Ego stadium in Dammam, marking a key moment in the season for Hilal’s development squads.
Recent results across age groups
Hilal’s youth pyramid has seen mixed fortunes: the under-15 were edged 1-0 by Al-Shabab, the under-16 fell 1-2 to rivals Al-Nassr, and the under-18 also suffered a 1-0 defeat to Al-Oroba. The first team managed a 1-1 draw with Al-Ittihad after playing with ten men from the ninth minute, losing the lead and the momentum that had kept them on top for around 50 days. The under-17 team, by contrast, beat Al-Batin 3-0, a reminder of the parity across ages. This backdrop intensifies the importance of a strong showing from the under-21s against Ettifaq.
In addition to the on-pitch drama, the club’s U21s face a real opportunity to emulate the under-17’s recent form and climb toward the top of the table, potentially wresting first place away from Ettifaq or, at the very least, moving into second with a favorable result elsewhere. The league’s current mix of outcomes across age groups underscores how tight the hierarchy remains as the season progresses.
Fans and stakeholders are reminded that many Elite Jooy League games are available to watch on stc tv, with highlights and live streams serving as an antidote to the wait for decisive results. The broader context shows that Ettifaq’s ascent has been built on consistency and depth, while Hilal’s academy continues to develop players who could shape the senior side in coming seasons.
Table leaders Ettifaq clinched top spot after their win over Damk and a favorable sequence of results, while Hilal sits a couple of points behind in the chase for the summit. The Sunday-to-Tuesday rhythm of the schedule makes every point critical, and the under-21 clash could be decisive for both teams’ positioning in the Elite Jooy League.
The article notes that the campaign remains alive for most Hilal youth teams, with potential for a positive surge if momentum shifts in their favor. Key tests lie ahead not only for the under-21s but for the entire youth structure, which continues to balance development with competitive success.
Shout-out to the supporters watching live and to the players chasing growth through the academy system. As always, every match offers a chance to learn, improve, and maybe even produce the next big star.
Punchline time: If Hilal keeps shooting like a sniper, eventually the goals will start charging themselves in. Punchline two: In football, timing is everything—and Hilal’s timing lately seems to be auditioning for a sequel called “Next Season, Same Excitement.”