Al Ahli Secure Their Spot in Next Season’s AFC Champions League With 5-1 Win Over Abha

It was not a pleasant time back at Al Ahli for their former manager, Pitso Mosimane, Abha’s manager. Al Ahli helped push Abha towards relegation with a 5-1 win as they sealed a third-spot finish to guarantee them AFC Champions League football next season.

It took only 8 minutes for the fans at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium to be treated to a goal, with homegrown talent Feras Al Buraikan putting the hosts ahead by capitalizing on a Ciprian Tatarusanu error to make it 1-0.

Relegation strugglers Abha did not do much to get back in the game and even failed to convert a clear chance in the 19th minute. Eduardo Mendy errored, gifted Hassan Al Ali the chance at an empty goal, but the winger could not put the shot on target.

Al Ahli dominated possession, finishing the match with 76.4% possession. However, the first half after the goal remained largely uneventful until the 1st minute of the first half added time when Ziyad Al Johani struck to make it 2-0.

The second half followed the first half trend of plenty of possession for Al Ahli, and it was not until the 72nd minute that Sumayhan Al Nabit made it 3-0 after latching on a rebounded attempt.

Two quick-fire goals in the 85th and 87th minute made it a comprehensive win for the AFC Champions League-headed hosts. First, Riyad Mahrez shot from long range, but the Abha keeper failed to deal with it. The moment of the night was left to Franck Kessie, who side-footed the ball from the edge of the box and placed it in the top corner.

Abha managed a consolation goal in injury time, with Eduardo Mendy heading a Saad Bguir freekick into his own net. Al Ahli are guaranteed to finish third, granting them a spot in next season’s Asian Champions League. Abha’s safety is a matter of concern with Mosimane’s men, who are two points from safety with two matches remaining.