Pitso Mosimane’s Al-Ahli suffered a big blow in their bid to clinch the Saudi First Division League title on Tuesday, dropping points at home.
The Royals, as Ahli are affectionately known, were beaten 2-1 by Al Arabi at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium. The result put a dent in their title hopes.
Mosimane’s side have now left the door open for their rivals Al-Akhdoud. The latter could move to within a point should they win their next match.
PITSO MOSIMANE’S AHLI LEAVE DOOR OPEN IN TITLE RACE
Akhdoud, who were beaten by another title rival Al-Hazem 1-0 last time out, will look to take advantage of Ahli’s slip up.
Mosimane would have been left bitterly disappointed by his side’s defeat, especially given that they were in front early on.
They took the lead through Modou Barrow in the 21st minute. However, things went pear-shaped from there as a red card for Mohammed Al Rubaie started a collapse.
In the end, Ahli were handed their fourth defeat of the season and their third under Mosimane. But they remain top of the standings with 65 points from 31 matches.
Mosimane will hope for a reaction when his side face Al-Shoalah next Wednesday with little room for errors as the season winds down.
PROMOTION SEALED, BUT JOB NOT DONE YET
The SA tactician might have guided the Jeddah giants back to the Saudi Pro League. But he will be desperate to clinch the title as the cherry on top.
A serial winner of note, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach has a golden opportunity to add another title to his impressive cabinet.
The ex-Bafana Bafana mentor has won league titles in his native South Africa with Sundowns and in Egypt with Ahly, and now he has his sights set on the Saudi First Division title.
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