Al-Ahli defeats Damac with a goal from Kessie and achieves a record in the Saudi League
Al-Ahli Saudi FC continued their strong performances and impressive run in the Saudi Professional League, securing a hard-fought and valuable 1-0 victory over Damac FC in their tenth-round match. The game was played at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Al-Mahalah, a venue that has consistently posed a significant challenge for visiting teams due to its challenging terrain and large crowds.
Al-Ahli owes this victory to its Ivorian midfielder, Franck Kessié, who scored the only goal of the match in the 37th minute, giving his team the lead that they maintained with high tactical discipline until the final whistle. This win not only earned Al-Ahli three points but also strengthened its technical and morale stability, extending its unbeaten run to 13 consecutive matches – an achievement that reflects the defensive solidity and attacking efficiency the team has recently acquired.
Return of artistic spirit and stability
This run holds special historical significance, as it is the longest unbeaten streak for the Jeddah-based team in the league since October 2018. During that period, the team managed to maintain an unbeaten record for 15 consecutive matches. The current generation's approach to this record reflects the success of the team's rebuilding project and confirms that Al-Ahli has overcome the setbacks of past seasons and returned to its natural role as one of the pillars of Saudi football and a perennial contender for titles.
Yassle's imprint and the influence of international stars
Credit is due to the young German coach, Matthias Jäissle, for his ability to create a harmonious blend between the international stars the club has acquired, such as Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, and Firmino, and the promising young local talent. This harmony was clearly demonstrated in the team's ability to secure victories in difficult away matches, a crucial indicator for any team aspiring to win the league title. The temporary rise to the top of the standings (or even the challenge for it) sends a strong message to direct rivals that Al Ahly will not be an easy opponent this season.
The implications of the victory, both locally and internationally
Amidst the major sporting boom in Saudi Arabia and the global attention the Roshan League is receiving, Al-Ahli's continued winning streak adds significant excitement to the competition. The fierce competition among the top clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli) raises the league's market value and attracts even more international attention. Al-Ahli's victory in Al-Mahala proves that the league isn't solely determined by the results of classic matches and derbies; rather, securing points on difficult grounds is the true measure of the champion, promising an exceptional season full of intense competition right up to the final rounds.
