By SCM Sports Reporter
JEDDAH – Al Ahli secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Professional League last night, with a stunning winner from Franck Kessie sealing the points in a thrilling encounter played out at the iconic King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The colossal 62,000-seater stadium, also known as the “Jewel Stadium” (Al-Jawhara), provided a glittering backdrop to the tense fixture, which saw Al Ahli reduced to ten men before half-time.
The hosts got off to a flyer, lighting up the magnificent Jeddah venue in just the 6th minute when Galeno curled a precise opener into the net.
The early strike had the huge crowd on their feet, celebrating at the architecturally stunning, three-tiered arena, which is a centerpiece of the King Abdullah Sports City complex.
However, the tide turned just before the break when an Al Ahli player received a straight red card.
Al Qadsiah capitalised on their man advantage midway through the second half.
The tension was palpable within the towering walls of the stadium when Al Salem nodded in an equaliser in the 64th minute.
The home crowd’s nerves were settled just moments later. Two minutes after the equaliser, a moment of sheer brilliance saw Franck Kessie unleash a decisive strike in the 66th minute, which rifled into the net to restore Al Ahli’s lead.
The goal sent a wave of relief and euphoria through the vast stands of the Jewel, ensuring that the home side held on to secure a vital 2-1 win despite their numerical disadvantage.
The victory at their colossal home ground keeps Al Ahli firmly in the hunt at the top of the Saudi Professional League table.
