Al Ahli dealt fresh setback as Atangana suffers injury against Al Sadd

Al Ahli have suffered another setback this season after French midfielder Valentin Atangana was forced off injured during their AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Al Sadd in the fourth round.

Atangana was injured in the first half and was unable to continue, prompting head coach Marino Pusic to replace him with Ziyad Al-Jehani.

The injury comes only a few days after Al Ahli endured a heavy 6-1 defeat by Al Shabab in round 12 of the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi club are currently facing difficulties with both technical and administrative stability, with Pusic’s position reportedly at risk and the Dutchman potentially set to leave in the coming days.

Al Ahli are the reigning champions of the AFC Champions League Elite, having won the past two editions. They are seeking a third successive title, which would be an unprecedented achievement.

The club’s Saudi Pro League fixture listed for 07 November 2026 is against Al-Taawoun. Al Sadd’s Doha Bank Stars League fixture on 08 November 2026 is against Al-Rayyan.