KSAsportz report
JEDDAH — Al Ahli Saudi FC faced a disappointing start to their continental campaign on Tuesday, as Congolese striker Fiston Mayele netted a stunning hat-trick, leading Egypt’s Pyramids FC to a commanding 3-1 victory in the Afro-Asia-Pacific Cup final at King Abdullah Sports City.
Mayele opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a precise shot that sailed past Al Ahli’s Edouard Mendy, despite the fervent support from the home crowd in Jeddah. According to statistics, this marked Mayele’s 10th goal in the tournament, solidifying his status as a key player for Pyramids FC.
Al Ahli managed to equalize just before half-time when Ivan Toney converted a penalty. However, goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy played a pivotal role for Pyramids in the second half, making two crucial saves from Franck Kessié that kept the match tied.
Mayele took control of the game thereafter. Although one of his goals was ruled offside, he restored Pyramids’ lead in the 71st minute with a clinical finish from a counterattack. He then completed his hat-trick just four minutes later, ensuring there was no way back for Al Ahli.
This victory not only secures the intercontinental crown for Pyramids but also advances them in the Club Confederations Cup. They are now set for a Challenge Cup clash on December 13 against the winner of the matchup between Cruz Azul and South America’s representative. The eventual victor will face off against Paris Saint-Germain in the grand final.
For Al Ahli, the 3-1 defeat serves as a stark reminder of the high standards expected at the global level, despite the presence of talented players like Toney, Kessié, Riyad Mahrez, and goalkeeper Mendy. Recent statistics indicate that Al Ahli has won only 45% of their last 20 matches in international competitions, highlighting the challenges they face moving forward.