What Happened
Al Ahli Saudi Club secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Damac in the Saudi Pro League, with Franck Kessie’s goal in the 37th minute proving decisive. The match, characterized by limited clear-cut chances, saw Kessie’s effort come from the first shot on target for either team. Al Ahli almost extended their lead just before halftime when Riyad Mahrez hit the woodwork. Despite Damac’s improved performance in the second half, they were unable to convert their possession into goals, and a potential equalizer from Yakou Meite was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Why It Matters
This victory propelled Al Ahli to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, although they face competition from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, who could overtake them in the upcoming matches. Additionally, Al Ahli’s strong performance this season has been bolstered by Ivan Toney, who has scored 22 goals in 23 appearances, enhancing his profile ahead of potential national team selections.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Al Ahli will also be preparing for their upcoming match against Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League, which has been rescheduled to accommodate fans attending Taraweeh prayers. The match will now take place at 11:30 PM instead of the originally scheduled 9:30 PM. Al Ahli qualified for the knockout stages after finishing as runners-up in their group, and they will be aiming to secure a spot in the next round during this highly anticipated clash.
