Al Hilal 2-0 Shabab Al Ahli: Inzaghi explains Sabri Dahl change

Simone Inzaghi said Sabri Dahl was substituted to prevent Al Hilal from risking a second yellow card during their 2-0 victory over Shabab Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Saudi side secured the win at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Tuesday, maintaining their strong position in the league phase after four rounds. Dahl was taken off in the 28th minute, with right-back Mohammed Mahzari brought on in his place.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Inzaghi said the decision was a precaution rather than a reflection of the young player’s performance.

“We were very good in the match against a team that had won its first three games. We controlled the game and achieved a victory that represents a step forward,” the Italian said, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

“All the players were excellent, including Sabri Dahl. After he received a yellow card, I substituted him so we would not risk him receiving a red card. He is a young and promising player, and I encourage him to work harder.”

Inzaghi also highlighted the demands created by the team’s busy schedule and said he had rotated his squad.

“The players produced a wonderful performance. Today, I sought to rotate some of them because of the pressure of the matches,” he added.

Al Hilal were without Ruben Neves, Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and Salem Al-Dawsari for the game. Inzaghi said the team was nevertheless satisfied with its display, while continuing to work on defending set-pieces.

“We had some absences – Ruben Neves, Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and Salem Al-Dawsari – but overall we are happy with the performance. We are constantly working to improve how we deal with set-pieces,” he said.

The manager also provided an expected timeframe for Al-Dawsari’s return, saying he hoped the winger would be available after the international break alongside the club’s other injured players.

“We hope Salem Al-Dawsari will be available to us after the break, along with the rest of the injured players,” Inzaghi said.

Al-Dawsari has made only one start this season and has appeared twice as a substitute. His involvement has been restricted by an injury sustained after the 2026 World Cup, which recently recurred.

The win moved Al Hilal to second in the West group of the AFC Champions League Elite on nine points. They have recorded three victories and one defeat, leaving them three points behind leaders Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates.