Islamabad, May 23, 2025: In a dramatic turn of events, Al-Ettifaq secured a 3-1 win over Al-Ahli Saudi in their final home game of the Saudi Pro League season at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday.
Ivan Toney, Al-Ahli’s leading scorer, converted a penalty in the opening minutes after drawing a foul, giving the hosts a promising start and what looked like a path to their ninth win in ten matches across all competitions.
However, the lead was cancelled out four minutes after half-time as Mohammed Abdulrahman netted for Al-Ettifaq.
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With only minutes left in regulation, Al-Ettifaq turned the game around. Georginio Wijnaldum, previously a teammate of Toney at Newcastle, was brought down by Edouard Mendy inside the box. The Dutch midfielder stepped up and coolly slotted home the penalty, making it 2-1.
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Madallah Al Olayan, introduced late in the match, wrapped up the points from a tight angle in the 95th minute.
The loss could cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a strong run for Al-Ahli saudi, who lifted the AFC Champions League Elite trophy less than a month ago after defeating Kawasaki Frontale.
Still fifth in the league table, Al-Ahli Saudi have locked in qualification for the next ACL Elite edition as reigning champions. They’ll wrap up their league campaign on Monday away to Al-Riyadh.
