Al-Ahli is preparing for an important Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Kholood on Saturday evening at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah as the season approaches its decisive final stages.
Al-Ahli enters the match sitting third in the league standings with 75 points after producing a strong run of form, including three consecutive victories that have strengthened the club’s hopes of securing a top-four finish and continental qualification next season.
The Jeddah side will rely on several star players, including Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney, and Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, alongside Franck Kessie, Roger Ibanez, and Enzo Millot.
Meanwhile, Al-Kholood approaches the game with survival ambitions of its own. The team has remained unbeaten in its last four league matches, collecting one win and three draws to move closer to securing its place in the Saudi top flight.
Currently sitting 14th with 32 points, Al-Kholood needs a positive result to further distance itself from the relegation battle.
Historically, the two clubs have met three times in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Kholood winning once and Al-Ahli claiming victory in the other two encounters.
Away from the pitch, Riyad Mahrez also attracted attention after presenting a luxury gift to former teammate Samihan Al-Nabit, who left Al-Ahli last year to join AlUla Club.
Al-Nabit shared photos on Instagram showing a Rolex watch gifted by Mahrez and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as part of a special celebration following Al-Ahli’s AFC Champions League Elite triumph.
The watches reportedly featured personalized engravings of the players’ names along with an Asian Champions League trophy emblem commemorating the historic achievement.
Each watch is estimated to be worth around €20,000, generating widespread discussion among fans and social media users.
Al-Ahli recently secured the AFC Champions League Elite title after defeating Japan’s Machida thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner scored by Firas Al-Buraikan in the 96th minute, adding another continental trophy to the club’s history.
