Pitso Mosimane’s Al-Ahli hit a snag

Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahli Saudi have hit another bump in their quest to clinch the title.

This is after Mosimane’s Royals, as Ahli are affectionately known, suffered a 2-0 defeat. They lost to Al-Riyadh on Sunday evening.

It was a tough day at the office for the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor. To worsen matters, his charges fell to defeat at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.

PITSO MOSIMANE’S AHLI IN DANGER OF BEING TOPPLED

They came into the clash hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Saudi First Division League, however, it was not to be.

As a result, Mosimane’s side are now in danger of being toppled by second-placed Al-Hazm. Hazm play on Tuesday when they face Ohod.

Ahli, though, remain at the summit of the log table with 52 points from 24 matches, two clear of their rivals Al-Hazm.

The defeat was the second Mosimane has suffered since taking over the reins at the club. His first was a painful 4-1 loss to Al Akhdoud last month.

The most recent defeat, although with a slightly respectable scoreline, will be just as bitter a pill to swallow for ‘Jingles’.

It brought to an end an impressive five-match winning run for Mosimane’s side who failed to score for the first time in 13 matches.

Nevertheless, Mosimane and his charges remain in a strong position to earn automatic promotion to the Saudi Professional League.

EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

The former Al Ahly coach was brought in with the main aim to return the team back to the top-flight.

But he has so far exceeded expectations by taking the team from the bottom half to the top of the table, fighting for the title in his first season in the Middle East.

He will now hope that his charges redeem themselves in their next outing when they face Al-Faisaly at the same venue on Saturday.

By Sthembiso Nkabinde

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