In a thrilling football match at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah (The Shining Jewel), Al-Ahli's first team secured a hard-fought and valuable 2-1 victory over Al-Taawoun in the 15th round of the Saudi Professional League. This encounter was more than just a casual game; it was a true test of Al-Ahli's ability to handle pressure and complex tactical challenges.
Following the final whistle, both coaches, Al-Ahli's German manager Matthias Jäissle and Al-Taawoun's Brazilian coach Pericles Chamusca, agreed during the post-match press conference on the extreme difficulty of the game. Jäissle praised his players' heroic performance, emphasizing that the team displayed "the character of champions" and a high fighting spirit that enabled them to secure the victory in the crucial minutes, reflecting the team's mental development in addition to their technical skills.
In analyzing the title race, the German coach made a statement reflecting his strategy for the upcoming stage, indicating that winning a strong and competitive league like the Roshan League doesn't depend solely on winning "top" matches or derbies against direct rivals. Jäissle explained that securing maximum points against lower-ranked teams is just as important and impactful as winning big matches, emphasizing that consistency and focus are the keys to winning the title.
These statements come at a time when the Saudi Professional League is undergoing a historic transformation and a qualitative leap in terms of recruitment and competition. The technical gaps are narrowing, and matches now demand double the effort and high tactical focus throughout the 90 minutes. The ability to collect points from defensively compact teams or those battling to avoid relegation is a key characteristic for clubs aspiring to win the title at the end of the season, a fact that Yassle understands well from his experience with Al-Ahli.
Despite the bitterness of the loss, Al-Taawoun's manager, Shamouska, expressed relative satisfaction with his team's performance on the pitch. The Brazilian coach affirmed that the "Sugar Boys" (Al-Taawoun's nickname) played a great match and were a formidable opponent for Al-Ahli on their home ground. He emphasized his complete confidence in the team's players and their ability to rectify their mistakes and return to winning ways in the upcoming rounds, confirming that Al-Taawoun will remain a force to be reckoned with in the league this season.
