The King Cup:

The 2022–23 King Cup, officially known as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, marked the 48th edition of this prestigious Saudi Arabian football tournament, which has been a staple in the country's sporting calendar since its inception in 1957. This season, running from December 20, 2022, to May 12, 2023, showcased 16 top-tier teams from the Saudi Professional League, all vying for the coveted title. In this article, we delve into the highlights of the competition, the participating teams, key moments, and ultimately, Al-Hilal's triumphant journey to their 10th King Cup victory.

Participating Teams:

The 2022–23 King Cup featured 16 highly competitive teams, all hailing from the Saudi Professional League. It's noteworthy that Al-Ahli, the most successful team in the competition, did not participate in this event. The participating teams included:

1. Abha
2. Al-Adalah
3. Al-Batin
4. Al-Ettifaq
5. Al-Fateh
6. Al-Fayha TH
7. Al-Hilal
8. Al-Ittihad
9. Al-Khaleej
10. Al-Nassr
11. Al-Raed
12. Al-Shabab
13. Al-Taawoun
14. Al-Tai
15. Al-Wehda
16. Damac

The Tournament Progress:

The King Cup followed a knockout format, with teams battling it out in each round to advance to the next stage. Here's a breakdown of the tournament's journey:

Round of 16:

• The round of 16 fixtures commenced on December 20, 2022, with teams competing fiercely for a spot in the quarter-finals.
• Al-Fayha emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Al-Khaleej, while Al-Hilal secured a convincing 4-0 victory against Al-Ettifaq.

Quarter-finals:

• The quarter-finals took place on March 13 and 14, 2023, and delivered intense football action.
• Al-Ittihad and Al-Wehda advanced to the semi-finals after winning in penalty shootouts, showcasing the competitive nature of the matches.

Semi-finals:

• The semi-finals saw Al-Hilal overcoming Al-Ittihad with an extra-time goal, setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown.
• Al-Wehda secured their spot in the final with a 1-0 victory over Al-Nassr.

Final:

• The grand finale occurred on May 12, 2023, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
• Al-Hilal and Al-Wehda battled fiercely, resulting in a 1-1 draw after extra time.
• Al-Hilal secured their 10th King Cup title with a 7-6 victory in the penalty shootout, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Top Goalscorers:

The 2022–23 King Cup witnessed some exceptional goal-scoring talent, with the top goalscorers being:

1. Abdulfattah Adam from Abha, who netted 3 goals.
2. Brazil's Anselmo from Al-Wehda and Nigeria's Odion Ighalo from Al-Hilal, both with 2 goals.
3. Paraguay's Kaku from Al-Taawoun, Saudi Arabia's Sami Al-Najei from Al-Nassr, and Brazil's Michael from Al-Hilal, all contributing to the excitement with 2 goals each.

The 2022–23 King Cup proved once again why it's one of Saudi Arabia's most prestigious football tournaments, featuring thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and remarkable moments. Al-Hilal's victory in the final marked a historic milestone as they claimed their 10th title, reaffirming their status as one of the country's football powerhouses. The King Cup continues to captivate fans and showcase the excellence of Saudi Arabian football. Read more about the King's Cup.