Al Qadsiah move level with Al Hilal as Al Ahli suffer third Saudi Pro League defeat

Al Ahli’s difficult start to the Roshn Saudi League continued as Al Qadsiah claimed a 3-2 victory to move level on points with leaders Al Hilal after six rounds.

The result was Al Ahli’s third defeat of the season and their second in their past four league matches. Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, recorded their fifth win from their opening six games and strengthened their position near the top of the table.

The match took place on Tuesday at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, where Al Qadsiah built a commanding three-goal lead before Al Ahli mounted a late fightback.

Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring in the 14th minute. The Dutch midfielder collected the ball near the edge of the penalty area and struck a powerful effort that Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was unable to keep out.

Al Qadsiah doubled their advantage in the first minute of added time at the end of the first half. Right-back Mohammed Abu Al Shamat met a low cross from Bounsou Baah and directed it into the net.

The hosts added a third goal only moments later, with Reijnders completing his brace in the third minute of stoppage time. This time, the midfielder headed in a cross from Mohammed Abu Al Shamat to leave Al Qadsiah firmly in control at the interval.

Al Ahli responded after the break through Ivan Toney. The England striker reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute when he headed home a cross from Portugal winger Francisco Trincao.

Toney scored again in the 82nd minute to give Al Ahli renewed hope. Saleh Abu Al Shamat found him with an incisive through ball, allowing the striker to run clear of Al Qadsiah goalkeeper Koen Casteels before calmly finishing.

The comeback ultimately fell short, leaving Al Ahli with no points from a match in which they had trailed 3-0.

The defeat followed losses to Al-Kholood and Al Hilal in Al Ahli’s previous four league fixtures. They were beaten 3-1 by Al-Kholood before suffering a 3-0 defeat against Al Hilal.

Al Ahli remain on nine points from their six matches and occupy seventh place in the table. They are ahead of Al-Kholood only on goal difference, although Al-Kholood have played one game fewer.

Al Qadsiah’s latest victory lifted them to 15 points and second place. They trail Al Hilal only on goal difference, ensuring that the promotion of the newly strengthened side to the top end of the Roshn Saudi League table continues to put pressure on the leaders.

Reijnders’ two goals and Al Qadsiah’s strong first-half display proved decisive, despite Toney’s late double giving Al Ahli the chance to rescue a point.