Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahli regain top spot after crucial win

Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahli Saudi FC have clawed their way back to the top of the table after a crucial win over Al Jabalain on Tuesday.

The Royals, as they are affectionately known, defeated their opponents 2-1 at the Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium to regain top spot.

The win, thanks to goals by Hassan Al-Ali and Ryad Boudebouz, saw Ahli leapfrog rivals Al Hazem into first place.

Al Hazem had left the door open for Ahli after their goalless draw against third-placed Al Riyadh on Monday.

Interestingly, the same Al Riyadh had delivered a blow to Ahli just before the international break, beating them 2-0.

That result ended an impressive five-match winning run for Ahli. It was also the second loss for the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach since taking over.

BACK TO WINNING WAYS 

Nevertheless, the ex-Bafana Bafana mentor’s side are back to winning ways. They have since regained top spot, a position they will be desperate to occupy until the end of the season.

The Jeddah-based outfit has amassed 55 points from their 26 matches so far, a solitary point clear of Al Hazm with eight more matches to go.

The race for the title looks set to go down to the wire with the two sides who were relegated from the Saudi Pro League  last season- Al Ahli and Al Hazm – the favourites. 

The pair has all but secured promotion back to the top flight ahead of next season as they are unlikely to finish outside of the top four.

PITSO MOSIMANE HEROICS 

Mosimane has performed wonders since taking over last year in September, taking the Royals from seventh place on the table to the summit.

He has won 14, drawn five and lost just two of the 21 matches that he has overseen at Al Ahli since taking over the reins.

His side’s next match is at home to 14th placed Al-Ain FC on Monday.

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