Saudi Pro League: Kessié and Mendy lead Al Ahli to victory at relegation battlers Al Raed

Any hopes of a Saudi Pro League title are fading fast for Al Ahli but the big spenders continued their push for AFC Champions League football next season with a 2-0 victory at Al Raed on Friday.

A first half penalty kick from Ivory Coast national team star Franck Kessié put visitors Ahli ahead and they never looked back. Hosts Al Raed created little and a 66th minute goal from Gabriel Veiga confirmed victory for Ahli who currently sit in fourth place, tied on points with Al Qadsiah and two points back of Al Nassr in the final Champions League spot.

The few chances Raed were able to create, Senegal national team goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was there to prevent any goal concessions. Mendy's excellent kick save denied Algerian striker Yousri Bouzok and Raed any hope of sparking a comeback.

Ahli return to action next Friday at home against Fashion Sakala and Al Fayha. They also remain in the ongoing AFC Champions League where they will face Thai giants Buriram United in the quarterfinals on April 26.

Al Raed, led by a large North African contingent that includes Bouzok, fellow Algerians Amir Sayoud and Mehdi Abeid as well as Cameroon international defender Oumar Gonzalez, have failed to win their last six league matches and appear set for relegation.