Al-Ahli Win 1-0 to Open 2026-27 Pro League Season

Al-Ahli Saudi FC opened their 2026–27 Saudi Pro League campaign with a 1–0 away victory over newly promoted Diriyah Club on Thursday, 13 August 2026, in Riyadh. The result gave the team a winning start to the season and three points from their first fixture.

The match marked the debut of new head coach Marino Pušić, the Croatian–Dutch tactician who previously led Shakhtar Donetsk. He was appointed on a contract running until 2028 shortly before the season began, and this was his first competitive game in charge of the club.

The opening game was also Al-Ahli's first league fixture following the departure of former coach Matthias Jaissle, who left in the summer of 2026 to take over as head coach of Newcastle United in England.

The only goal of the game was scored by Eduard Spertsyan, securing the narrow win against Diriyah Club, who were making their top-flight debut after promotion.

Al-Ahli's next scheduled Saudi Pro League home match is against Abha on 22 August 2026 in Jeddah, giving supporters in the city an early opportunity to see the new-look side under Pušić on home turf. The early season form will be closely watched by fans as the club adjusts to a new coaching era.

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