Al-Ahli 2-1 Al-Qadsiah: Kessie stunner keeps 10-man hosts unbeaten

Franck Kessie’s second-half stunner proved decisive as 10-man Al-Ahli maintained their unbeaten start to the Saudi Pro League season with a 2-1 victory over Al-Qadsiah.

Kessie picked out the bottom-left corner just two minutes after substitute Abdullah Al Salem had levelled the contest, with his effort moving Al-Ahli up to fourth in the table.

Galeno curled Al-Ahli into a sixth-minute lead after the Brazilian ruthlessly punished Musab Al Juwayr’s misplaced pass with a precise finish into the bottom-right corner.

From there, Al-Qadsiah began to turn the screw, with Mateo Retegui forcing Edouard Mendy into a smart stop before crashing a free-kick against the post just before the break.

However, in first-half stoppage time, the visitors were handed a way back into the contest when Ziyad Al Johani was given a straight red card for an elbow into the chest of Otavio.

And Al-Qadsiah made their advantage count in the 64th minute when Al Salem headed Christopher Bonsu Baah’s cross into the net just 26 seconds after entering the pitch.

But their joy was short-lived when Kessie thumped a first-time shot beyond Koen Casteels’ grasp, and Al-Ahli held firm to earn a first home league win in three matches.

Data Debrief: The streak continues

While Al-Ahli are one of three teams yet to taste defeat in the Saudi Pro League in 2025-26, their results have seen them lose pace with runaway leaders Al-Nassr, but they delivered a statement of intent here against a potential top-three rival.

But they were made to work for their victory, not helped by Al Johani’s first-half dismissal. The hosts registered an expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.54 from their seven attempts, though they were able to restrict Al-Qadsiah to just three shots on target, which generated a 1.04 xG.

Matthias Jaissle will, however, not care one bit about the performance, but he will be pleased about the fight displayed by his players. Al-Ahli are now unbeaten in their last 10 league matches (W6 D4), edging closer to their best streak in the competition (15 matches – W11 D4) in 2018.