KSAsportz report
HONG KONG — In a stunning display of football prowess, Al Ahli secured their spot in the Saudi Super Cup final with a decisive 5-1 victory over 10-man Qadsiah on Wednesday in Hong Kong. This resounding win sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown against Al Nassr, promising an exciting clash for the title on August 23.
The match began on a surprising note as Qadsiah took an early lead in the eighth minute, with Gastón Álvarez heading in a low cross from Mohammed Al Thani. However, their advantage was fleeting, lasting just four minutes.
Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié leveled the score in the 12th minute, taking full advantage of a defensive misstep. His composed finish from close range not only revived Al Ahli’s spirits but also marked the beginning of their dominance.
In a pivotal moment during the 26th minute, Al Ahli was awarded a penalty following a lengthy VAR review for a handball by Nahitan Nández. Ivan Toney confidently converted the penalty two minutes later, putting Al Ahli ahead.
By the 31st minute, Al Ahli extended their lead to 3-1 as French winger Enzo Millot capitalized on a perfect cross from Riyad Mahrez, heading the ball into the net.
The match took a drastic turn just before halftime when Ghanaian winger Christopher Bonsu Baah received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Roger Ibañez. This sending off intensified Al Ahli’s dominance on the field.
Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Kessié scored his second goal deep into first-half stoppage time, once again benefiting from Mahrez’s assist.
The second half saw no respite for Qadsiah, as they conceded a fifth goal in the 60th minute when captain Nacho Fernández inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.
Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney nearly added a sixth goal late in the match, but it was disallowed for offside.
Despite their strong start, Qadsiah struggled to generate chances following the opening goal, with Italian striker Mateo Retegui failing to make an impact before being substituted with just over 10 minutes remaining.
With an overwhelming 5-1 victory, Al Ahli now gears up for a critical final against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, in what promises to be a historic meeting of two of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious football clubs. According to recent statistics, Al Ahli has averaged 3.2 goals per game in this tournament, while Al Nassr is expected to bring their top form to the final showdown.