KSAsportz report
JEDDAH — In a remarkable display of resilience, Al Ahli staged a thrilling comeback from a three-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Al Hilal at King Abdullah Sports City on Friday evening. With over 25,000 fans in attendance, the match was one for the history books, leaving the home side with a point that felt like a significant victory.
Al Hilal seemed poised to claim a notable away victory after swiftly establishing a 3-0 lead in the first half. Brazilian forward Malcom was instrumental, scoring twice and assisting fellow player Theo Hernandez, putting Al Hilal in a commanding position.
The scoring opened in the 12th minute, with Malcom sending Hernandez through for a composed finish. This was followed by Darwin Nunez, who outmuscled Roger Ibanez to set Malcom up for the second goal. Malcom added another tally in the 41st minute, finishing from close range after a low cross by captain Salem Al Dawsari.
Al Hilal’s control over the game nearly extended further, but the visitors missed additional chances, including attempts from Nunez and Malcom, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy thwarted any plans of further damage. Riyad Mahrez also kept the pressure on, forcing Yassine Bounou into action with a curling free kick before halftime.
As the match progressed, Al Hilal appeared to have the win sealed, even hitting the post through Al Dawsari midway through the second half. However, a spirited late surge from Al Ahli changed the trajectory of the game. In the 78th minute, Ivan Toney provided the hosts with a flicker of hope, sliding in to meet Mahrez’s low cross.
Just five minutes later, Toney made it 3-2, powerfully heading home another delivery from Mahrez, igniting the home crowd. In an exhilarating stoppage time finish, Merih Demiral sealed the comeback, powering a header from a Mahrez corner and sending the fans into a frenzy.
The final result left both teams level on five points after three rounds, with Al Hilal placed seventh in the standings, narrowly ahead of Al Ahli based on goal difference. Remarkably, newly promoted Al Qadsiah is topping the league with seven points, showcasing a competitive start to the season.