The week in Asian football

HONG KONG - Talking points from the week in Asian football:

KANTE STRIKES TO EARN POINT FOR AL-ITTIHAD AS AL-HILAL CLOSE

Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad saw their advantage at the summit reduced to four points as Laurent Blancs side were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Qadsiah and defending champions Al-Hilal picked up a 2-0 win over Al-Fayha.

Ngolo Kante rescued a point for the leaders when he struck in the 96th minute to cancel out Pierre Emerick-Aubameyangs opener from five minutes earlier for the third-placed outfit.

Goals from Mohamed Kanno and Aleksandar Mitrovic, playing for the first time in almost two months after returning from injury, sealed victory for Al-Hilal.

A-LEAGUE LEADERS AUCKLAND SEE ADVANTAGE CUT TO SIX POINTS

Auckland FC saw their A-League lead reduced to six points as Steve Coricas side were held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle Jets on Sunday after seeing Louis Verstraete sent off 15 minutes from time for a dangerous tackle.

Eli Adams gave Newcastle the lead with a searing strike past Alex Paulsen in the 12th minute only for Jesse Randall to level eight minutes before the interval when he headed in Hiroki Sakais cross from the right.

Auckland hold a six point advantage over Western United, who handed Wellington Phoenix a 4-1 thrashing on Saturday, while Melbourne City sit in third having picked up a 2-0 win over Macarthur FC on Friday.

KASHIMA DOWN KASHIWA TO MOVE INTO POLE POSITION IN J-LEAGUE

Kashima Antlers defeated previously unbeaten Kashiwa Reysol 3-1 on Saturday to move into first place in the J-League standings, one point clear of Shonan Bellmare.

Leo Ceara scored a hat-trick to earn Kashima a fourth win in five matches while Shonan were held to a 0-0 draw by FC Tokyo.

Third-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima plus defending champions Vissel