Al‑Ahli secured a 1‑0 victory over Al‑Kholood at Al‑Hazem Club Stadium on 17 January 2026, moving to 41 points and tightening their grip on the Saudi Pro League top‑four race. The lone goal came from midfielder Sami Al‑Harbi in the 62nd minute, while Al‑Kholood’s relegation fight remains precarious. Al‑Ahli’s high‑pressing 4‑3‑4 dominated possession, limiting Al‑Kholood’s chances and securing three crucial points.
Match Overview and Tactical Setup
Al‑Kholood Formation and Strategy
Coach Saeed Al‑Mansour deployed a compact 4‑5‑1, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter‑attacks. Veteran centre‑backs Mohammed Al‑Qahtani and Fahad Al‑Shammari anchored the back line, while midfielders Yasser Al‑Bashir and Saad Al‑Zahrani provided aggressive pressure. Striker Nasser Al‑Fahad was tasked with holding up play and creating occasional threats.
Al‑Ahli Formation and Approach
Fourth‑placed Al‑Ahli lined up in an attacking 4‑3‑3 under Abdulrahman Al‑Saeed. Playmaker Sami Al‑Harbi orchestrated the midfield, supported by wingers Omar Al‑Saeed and Saad Al‑Mansour. Lone striker Khalid Al‑Rashid led the line, while captain Youssef Al‑Khalifa headed a high‑pressing defensive unit designed to win the ball early.
Key Moments and Goal Description
The first half saw few clear chances, with Al‑Kholood’s goalkeeper Mohammed Al‑Qahtani making a fingertip save from a cross in the 28th minute. The breakthrough arrived in the 62nd minute when Al‑Harbi intercepted a misplaced pass, collected the ball at the edge of the box, and curled a low shot into the bottom corner, leaving Al‑Qahtani unable to respond.
Al‑Kholood pushed forward later, forcing a header from Nasser Al‑Fahad that struck the post in the 74th minute and a long‑range effort from Saad Al‑Zahrani that clipped the crossbar in the 81st. Al‑Ahli’s defense held firm, and the match ended 1‑0.
Match Statistics
- Possession: Al‑Ahli 58% – Al‑Kholood 42%
- Shots (on target): Al‑Ahli 7 (4) – Al‑Kholood 6 (2)
- Pass accuracy: Al‑Ahli 84% – Al‑Kholood 78%
- Corners: Al‑Ahli 5 – Al‑Kholood 3
- Fouls: Al‑Ahli 12 – Al‑Kholood 15
Implications for the Title Race and Relegation Battle
Al‑Kholood, sitting 13th with 24 points after 20 games, remains five points above the drop zone but has only six matches left to secure safety. The narrow defeat keeps them in a precarious position, forcing manager Saeed Al‑Mansour to consider a more adventurous approach in upcoming fixtures.
Al‑Ahli’s win lifts them to 41 points, narrowing the gap to second place to four points and keeping the top‑four chase alive. The victory also restores momentum after a recent slip‑draw, and Sami Al‑Harbi’s performance could cement his status as the league’s leading midfielder.
Player Ratings
- Sami Al‑Harbi (Al‑Ahli): 9.2 – match‑winner, creator, highest rating.
- Mohammed Al‑Qahtani (Al‑Kholood): 7.8 – crucial saves, kept scoreline respectable.
- Youssef Al‑Khalifa (Al‑Ahli): 7.5 – organized defense, vital interceptions.
- Nasser Al‑Fahad (Al‑Kholood): 7.0 – work rate up front, struck the post.
Looking Ahead
Al‑Kholood will travel to Al‑Riyadh to face Al‑Faisaly, a match that will test their defensive resilience and could prove decisive in the fight for survival.
Al‑Ahli’s next challenge is a high‑stakes clash against league leaders Al‑Hilal at King Fahd International Stadium. A victory would propel them into the top three and strengthen their bid for AFC Champions League qualification.
