Al-Ahli went top of the Saudi Pro League as Franck Kessie’s goal clinched a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Damac, who had a potential stoppage-time equaliser disallowed.
Kessie prodded beyond home goalkeeper Kewin when Roger Ibanez touched Riyad Mahrez’s deep free-kick into his path in the 37th minute, with that goal enough to decide a game of few clear-cut chances.
Kessie’s goal came from the first shot on target for either team, though Al-Ahli almost doubled their advantage just before half-time when Mahrez struck the woodwork.
Ivan Toney was held without a single shot as Matthias Jaissle’s visitors toiled in attack, but despite Damac having the better of the second half, they could not pair their possession with penetration.
Yakou Meite thought he had salvaged a point for them four minutes into stoppage time, but after a VAR review, his finish from near the penalty spot was disallowed for offside.
Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal could still overtake Al-Ahli when they take to the field in the next two days, while fourth-placed Al-Qadsiah are also within three points of the summit after thrashing the 10 men of Al-Ettifaq 4-0.
Goals from Nahitan Nandez and Christopher Bonsu Baah put Brendan Rodgers’ men in full control within the first seven minutes, and after Al-Ettifaq had Abdullah Khateeb sent off for a second bookable offence with 10 minutes to play, Julian Quinones and Julian Weigl made the scoreline more convincing.
Victory is ours #AlAhli | #RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/Q52Tt1X3wq
— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) February 23, 2026
Data Debrief: Al-Ahli run continues after narrow win
Al-Ahli had scored nine goals across their previous two Pro League matches (beating Al-Najmah 4-1 and Al-Shabab 5-2) and were looking to score four or more goals in three successive games for the first time ever.
They fell well short of that feat, only having four shots and hitting the target once all game, compared to 13 attempts and four on target for Damac. The visitors still won the expected goals battle, though, by 0.75 xG to 0.35.
They are now unbeaten in their last 13 Pro League games, winning 12 including each of their last four. Their only dropped points in this run came against Al-Hilal (0-0).