Al-Ahli’s postponed Matchday 10 encounter against Damac ended in a tense 1-0 success, but the narrow triumph was overshadowed by repeated VAR interventions. Three first-half goals were subject to review, while a stoppage-time leveller for the hosts was eventually chalked off after another video check.
Al-Ahli’s postponed Matchday 10 encounter against Damac ended in a tense 1-0 success, but the narrow triumph was overshadowed by repeated VAR interventions. Three first-half goals were subject to review, while a stoppage-time leveller for the hosts was eventually chalked off after another video check.
On paper, Damac’s position in the relegation fight — with just two victories in 23 outings — might suggest a routine evening for one of the league’s heavyweights. However, the Knights of the South have consistently proven stubborn opponents, particularly at home against the division’s elite.
Although Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal have all defeated Damac this campaign, the record shows the hosts have suffered only seven defeats in 27 home meetings with the Big Four since earning promotion to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ahli themselves have found visits to Khamis Mushait challenging. It was only last season that they recorded their first win there, after previous trips were marred by dramatic late goals that frustrated their sizeable southern support.
The visitors were nearly behind within the opening minute, only for Damac’s early strike to be ruled out for offside. From that moment on, the home side worked tirelessly to unsettle Matthias Jaissle’s team.
Damac targeted the flanks effectively, exploiting space behind Rayan Hamed through Yakou Méïté and Dhari Al-Anezi, while Morlaye Sylla’s forward bursts dragged Zakaria Hawsawi out of position. Their disciplined 5-4-1 defensive structure also limited Al-Ahli’s preferred direct balls over the top.
One such delivery did find the net when Ivan Toney lifted the ball beyond Kewin, but the effort was disallowed for offside. Persistence finally paid off for Al-Ahli in the 37th minute, as a free kick from Wenderson Galeno caused confusion in the penalty area, allowing Franck Kessié to pounce on a loose ball and score.
After the interval, expectations of a cautious Damac approach quickly faded. The hosts seized the initiative, pushing forward in search of a crucial result to aid their survival hopes. Abdulrahman Al-Obaid came close in the 71st minute, unleashing a powerful volley that required an acrobatic stop from Mendy to preserve the advantage.
Despite mounting pressure, Jaissle delayed changes until the 88th minute, when Feras Al-Brikan replaced Enzo Millot. Al-Ahli held onto their slender lead, aware that their goal difference of +30 still trails Al-Nassr (+39) and Al-Hilal (+37).
Mendy once again proved decisive in the 89th minute, denying Mohammed Al-Salkhadi after the Syrian youngster carved out a clear shooting opportunity. The save appeared to secure the points, sparking celebrations among the travelling fans.
Yet the contest had one final twist. Deep into added time, a free kick allowed Méïté to slip behind the defence and head home what seemed to be an equaliser. Following appeals from Al-Ahli’s players, the referee consulted VAR and ruled the goal offside.
Méïté confronted the official in frustration moments before the final whistle, and tempers flared between Toney and Jamal Harkass after the decision. When the match concluded, tensions lingered — but Al-Ahli departed with three vital points and a temporary place at the summit in one of the league’s most demanding venues.
