JEDDAH — Al Ahli stumbled again in the Saudi Pro league, settling for a 1-1 draw against visitors Al Kholood in the eighth round during the match held at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Al Kholood opened the scoring early, putting pressure on the host team, Al Ahli, who managed to equalize in the second half. Al Kholood showcased impressive performance levels and came close to securing all three points on several occasions. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Al Kholood was awarded a penalty, taken by Nigerian player Saviour Goodwin. Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy successfully saved the penalty, but Goodwin skillfully followed up and put the ball in the net for the visitors' opening goal. At the end of the first half, Mendy had to leave the match due to an injury, making way for Abdulrahman Al Sanbi. This match marked Mendy's return after a long injury layoff, raising concerns among Al Ahli fans about his potential absence again, especially with an important upcoming match against rival Al Ittihad. In the 62nd minute, Algerian international Riyad Mahrez struck a powerful shot from outside the penalty area after receiving a short pass from Ivorian player Franck Kessié, equalizing for Al Ahli as the ball found the back of the net. With this draw, Al Ahli raised its points total to 11, while Al Kholood reached five points, remaining in the second-to-last position.
