Pitso Mosimane has suffered a painful first defeat since joining Al Ahli Saudi ending the club’s four-match winning streak after losing to Al Akhdood on Thursday.
Mosimane and his side entered the game in first spot, on 37 points, three ahead of today’s opponents, who were in fifth.
Al Ahli were already unbeaten in 13 games since Mosimane took over and had recently climbed to the top of the log.
However, on Thursday, Mosimane’s side lost 4-1 to Al Akhdood, who themselves climbed into first pot on the log.
The game started well for ‘Jingles’ and his side, as Bastos had given them a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute.
But they conceded the equaliser via a penalty just before half-time, before Al Akhdood netted two more in the 54th and 61st minute. While Al Ahli pushed to find two late goals, the visitors netted one more in the 88th minute.
The result saw Al Ahli drop into third spot based on goal difference, with the top four teams in the Saudi First Division now all sitting on 37 points.
Promotion rivals Al Hazem and Al-Faisaly, who Al Ahli had both beaten recently, collected three points this match round, while Al Riyadh follow in fifth place with 35 points.
It was Mosimane’s first defeat in Saudi Arabia after 14 games in charge, winning seven and drawing six.
Al Ahli, who had also lost the reverse against Al Akhdood before Mosimane’s arrival, have a chance at redemption when they return to action against Al Kholood next week Tuesday.