Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, known as Lukman, has etched his name into the history books of Saudi football. The Al Fayha player scored the fastest goal ever recorded in a King’s Cup of Champions final, finding the net after just 21 seconds against Al Hilal on Friday, May 31, 2024.
The match, held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, witnessed a breathtaking start. From the opening whistle, Al Fayha pressed high. A misplaced pass from Al Hilal’s defense was intercepted near the center circle and quickly played forward to Lukman. The 20-year-old drove towards the box, cut inside onto his favored left foot, and unleashed a powerful, curling shot that flew past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and into the top corner.
The stunning early strike sent the Al Fayha supporters into a frenzy and set a new competition record. Lukman’s goal surpassed the previous fastest final goal, scored by Moroccan star Abderrazak Hamdallah for Al Nassr against Al Hilal in the 2020 final, which came in the 2nd minute.
Despite the dream start, Al Fayha could not hold onto their lead. Al Hilal, the Saudi Pro League champions, demonstrated their resilience and quality. They equalized in the 7th minute through a header from defender Ali Al-Bulaihi following a corner kick. The momentum fully shifted when Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović put Al Hilal ahead 2-1 in the 33rd minute with a clinical finish.
Al Hilal sealed their victory in the second half. Mitrović scored his second of the night in the 57th minute, and Saudi international Salem Al-Dawsari added a fourth in the 88th minute to complete a 4-1 win, securing the domestic double for his club.
While the final result was a heavy defeat for Al Fayha, Lukman’s historic moment stands alone. His achievement continues a notable African legacy in the tournament’s finals. He follows in the footsteps of compatriot and former Al Ahli star Charles Kumi, who scored in the 2016 final, and Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, a two-time final scorer in 2019 and 2020.
Lukman’s record-breaking goal, confirmed as the fastest in the final’s history by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s official statistics, ensures his place in the competition’s lore, even in a losing effort.
