Al Ahli’s hopes of lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy were dealt a severe blow on Monday night, following a contentious 2-2 draw with Al Fateh. The match, officiated by Egyptian referee Mohamed Adel, was marred by late drama that left the home side feeling aggrieved.
The game began brightly for Al Ahli. Star striker Riyad Mahrez broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, giving his team an early lead. The advantage was doubled just before halftime, with a goal from Saudi international Firas Al-Buraikan in the 44th minute, sending the hosts into the break with a comfortable 2-0 cushion.
However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Al Fateh fought back, pulling a goal back in the 67th minute to set up a tense finale. The real controversy erupted deep into stoppage time. In the 90+7th minute, Al Fateh was awarded a penalty kick after a VAR review prompted referee Adel to consult the pitch-side monitor.
Al Fateh’s Cristian Tello stepped up and converted the spot-kick in the 90+9th minute, snatching a dramatic equalizer and two crucial points from Al Ahli’s grasp. The decision sparked immediate and furious protests from Al Ahli’s players and coaching staff, who surrounded the referee at the final whistle.
The result leaves Al Ahli in third place in the Saudi Pro League standings with 55 points, now sitting eight points behind leaders Al Hilal, who have a game in hand. With only six matches remaining in the 2023-2024 season, this draw significantly damages Al Ahli’s title ambitions.
In his post-match comments, Al Ahli’s German coach, Matthias Jaissle, did not hold back his frustration. “We dominated the match for long periods and created many chances,” Jaissle stated. “The penalty decision at the end is incomprehensible. It’s a very bitter point for us and a huge setback in the title race.”
The focus now turns to the Saudi Football Federation’s Referees Committee. They are expected to review the incident, particularly the stoppage-time penalty call, in the coming days. For Al Ahli and their fans, the dream of a first league title since 2016 now hangs by a thread, with fate seeming to slip away in the dying moments of a match defined by a referee’s decisive call.
