South African coach Pitso Mosimane arrived at Saudi First Division league side Al Ahli Saudi FC with the objective of obtaining promotion back to the country’s top tier Saudi Pro League and the former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns head coach’s squad confirmed the accomplishment this week. On Wednesday, Al Ahli defeated Hajer FC by a 2-1 score to mathematically clinch the top four spot required for promotion and move into first place. Former Algeria national team playmaker Ryad Boudebouz scored from the penalty spot deep into second half stoppage time to give Al Ahli the victory.
The club suffered a shock relegation following the 2021-22 Saudi Pro League campaign and after an underwhelming start to the 2022-23 season, Mosimane was hired to begin duties as head coach of the big spending club on September 25. With key contributors like Boudebouz (7 goals), Gambia national team attacker Modou Barrow, Dutch-Moroccan midfielder Hicham Faik as well as 2022 FIFA World Cup Saudi national team participant Haitham Asiri (10 goals) and former Lazio central defender Bastos in his team the South African coach guided Ahli to a record of seventeen wins, six draws and two defeats under his stewardship.
Mosimane and Al Ahli Saudi will now attempt to secure the title of champions. With four matches remaining in the season the club are three points ahead of closest competitors Al Akhdood with one more match played.
Highlights of the goals from Ahli’s victory over Hajer are below.
