Pitso Mosimane’s Al-Ahli wrestle back control in Saudi First Division title race

Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahli Saudi remain on course to clinch the Saudi First Division title this season.

This after the Jeddah-based outfit wrestled back control in the exciting race with a 1-0 win over Al-Ain on Monday.

The former Al Ahly coach’s side managed to pull off another crucial win at the death to take control of proceedings in the title race.

PITSO MOSIMANE’S AL AHLI BACK AT THE TOP

Brazilian striker Marcos Amaral was on target for Mosimane’s charges late on in the match, earning them the maximum points in the crucial match.

The Royals, as Ahli are affectionately known, came into the clash aware that a win would propel them back into the summit of the First Division log.

This after their biggest rivals Al-Hazm were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation strugglers Al-Shoula on Sunday.

Ahli, though, were not the only side to take advantage of Al-Hazm’s defeat, with Al-Akhdoud also in the mix as they climbed to second place.

Akhdoud had been at the summit for a few hours before Mosimane’s outfit toppled them after their last-gasp win over Al-Ain.

The last two matches haven’t been easy for Ahli, having to dig deep on both occasions to earn hard-fought wins again some solid opponents.

BECOMING A REALITY

In their last match, Ryad Boudebouz scored a penalty at the death, and now Amaral was on the scoresheet for Ahli as they added three more points to their course.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor will be confident that his primary objective of qualifying his side to the top flight is slowly becoming a reality with every win.

Al Ahli Saudi looks like a club on the brink of rediscovering its golden times. On the other hand, Mosimane is desperate to make that happen and grow his following.

They are next in action against sixth-placed Al-Faisaly on Saturday as they look to avenge a first-round defeat.

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