The coaching staff of Al-Ahli Saudi FC received a significant morale and tactical boost ahead of their highly anticipated match against Al-Kholoud FC in the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League. This positive news strengthens the options available to the team, nicknamed "Al-Raqui" (The Sublime), as they strive to continue accumulating points and climbing the league standings. The match will be held at Al-Kholoud Stadium amidst great anticipation from fans.
Return of the basic pillars of the formation
In preparation for the match, it was confirmed that right-back Ali Majrashi will return to the team after serving his suspension, which kept him out of action for the past two rounds. Majrashi was sent off with a red card during the thrilling derby against Al-Nassr in the thirteenth round, an absence that significantly impacted the team's defensive options in the previous matches against Al-Akhdoud and Al-Taawoun.
Meanwhile, the team's roster will see the return of Ivorian star Franck Kessié, the midfield dynamo, following his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with his national team. Kessié's return comes after Ivory Coast's elimination from the tournament's quarter-finals following a 3-1 defeat to Egypt, allowing the player to refocus entirely on his club's domestic commitments.
The context of the competition and the importance of the three points
This match holds particular importance for Al-Ahli given the fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League this season. Following the significant growth of Saudi football and the influx of international stars, every match has become like a cup final, where dropping points is unacceptable, especially against home teams like Al-Kholoud.
Al-Ahli fans are counting heavily on Kessie’s return to control the midfield rhythm, given his physical strength and tactical vision that contributes to linking the lines, while Majrashi’s return represents a strong addition to the right flank, whether in defensive coverage or offensive support, which gives the coach greater tactical flexibility to implement his plans.
The morale boost after the recent victory
Al-Ahli enters the match with relatively high morale after securing a valuable victory in their last league game against Al-Taawoun. That encounter ended with Al-Ahli winning 2-1, a result that helped the team regain its balance. The team aims to capitalize on this fighting spirit and the return of key players to the starting lineup to achieve another away win, ensuring they remain in contention for the top spots that qualify them for continental championships.
