Al Ahli ended their preparations for the 2026-27 season with a 3-1 defeat by Al-Ettifaq on Wednesday, their fourth loss in seven friendly matches and their first game since the departure of manager Matthias Jaissle.
Moussa Dembele opened the scoring for Al-Ettifaq from the penalty spot in the 19th minute. The French forward had won the penalty himself after being brought down by Al Ahli midfielder Valentin Atangana.
Al-Ettifaq doubled their advantage 12 minutes later when Yasser Al-Shammari capitalised on a misplaced pass from another French midfielder, Enzo Millot. Al-Shammari took the ball forward before finishing past Al Ahli goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi.
Al Ahli reduced the deficit in first-half injury time through Firas Al-Buraikan. The striker was played through by new Portugal international signing Francisco Trincao and kept his composure to score one-on-one with the Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper.
The home side restored their two-goal lead three minutes into the second half. New signing Abdulaziz Al-Bishi intercepted a loose pass in the centre of Al Ahli’s defence, raced clear and finished the chance to make it 3-1.
The match was Al Ahli’s first since German coach Jaissle left the club. Portuguese coach Rui Santos took temporary charge for the game.
Jaissle is reportedly nearing an agreement to become manager of Newcastle United, bringing an end to his time with Al Ahli as the club prepare to begin another Saudi Pro League campaign.
The defeat completed a difficult set of pre-season results for Al Ahli. Four of their seven friendlies have ended in defeat, with six of those matches played during camps in Austria and Portugal.
Their only victory was an 8-0 success against Austrian side SV Saalfelden. Before Wednesday’s loss to Al-Ettifaq, Al Ahli had also been beaten by German club Holstein Kiel and Portuguese sides Vitoria Guimaraes and Portimonense.
They drew with Portuguese club Rio Ave and English side Fulham in their other two warm-up matches.
Al Ahli will begin their competitive season on 13 August, when they face Diriyah in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.
The club are seeking to win the Saudi league title for the first time since 2016. They will also attempt to retain the AFC Champions League Elite crown, having won the competition in each of the past two seasons.
