Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahli Saudi beat crosstown rivals Jeddah 1-0 in a Saudi First Division encounter to keep up pace with log leaders Al Hazm.
Al Hazm had played their fixture on Monday, beating Hajer Club 2-0 to maintain top spot.
The win saw them move to 49 points, leaving Mosimane’s Ahli, who had a game in hand, with 46.
However, after Wednesday’s win, thanks to a Modou Secka Barrow striker, saw them level points as they also have amassed 49 points with 11 games to go.
The Gambian international footballer, Barrow, recently joined Mosimane’s and will be happy to have sealed maximum points for the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach.
The speedy winger had stints with Swansea City, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and Reading winger and looks set to make a massive contribution to the Jeddah outfit.
Interestingly, fourth-placed Al Riyadh and Al Arabi, who are fifth, both lost their midweek encounters.
Al Riyadh were humbled by Al Qadisiya at home, with Ohod beating Al Arabi, results that could work in favour of Mosimane in the long run.
However, third-placed Al Akhdoud had to fight hard to walk away with maximum points against Al Shoalah after winning 2-1.
The win ensured Al Ahli and leaders Al Hazm remained within touching distance as they are just five points ahead.
The former Al Ahly of Egypt coach, Mosimane, knows they stand a chance to win the race if his charges don’t drop points.
Of course, a second-place finish will hand them promotion, but winning the title would be a massive boost as they move to the topflight.
The last game of the season – on May 29 – is against the log leaders Al Hazm away from home.
Should things not change regarding the log standings, that tie would decide who lifts the title.
But, in the meantime, Jingles and his Ahli would be eager to continue picking maximum points.
Their opponents on Wednesday – Jeddah – were the first team Mosimane led his charges against after joining the club.
He took over in October 2022 and guided his new side to a 1-1 draw in a Jeddah derby.
Ahli then turned the corner and picked 12 wins, five draws and one loss since then.
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