In The Crosshairs: Al-Ahli Aims to Beat Al-Sadd in Elite AFC Showdown
3 November 2025
The German Matias Jaissle, head coach of Saudi club Al-Ahli Jeddah, expressed optimism about the possibility of his side beating Qatar’s Al-Sadd in the upcoming Elite AFC Champions League match scheduled for Tuesday.
Al-Ahli will visit Al-Sadd in the fourth matchday of the West Group, a competition that the western club currently holds as its title.
Al-Ahli sit second in the West Group of the Elite AFC Champions League, with seven points from two wins and a draw.
Jaissle's Optimism
Jaissle praised Al-Sadd’s technical and collective quality ahead of the match, saying the Qatari outfit is a tough opponent regardless of recent results, and that his side are hopeful to secure the win and the three points.
He added: “We recognize the importance of our impressive unbeaten run in the competition, now standing at 21 matches, and we aim to maintain it with confidence and without fear.”
Special Praise for Al-Ahli's Star
The German coach also lauded Franck Kessié ahead of the Al-Ahli vs Al-Sadd tie in Asia's Elite edition. Jaissle stated: “Franck Kessié is one of the team’s key pillars on and off the pitch; he is a crucial player for Al-Ahli’s squad, and he is essential with very special roles in my view.”
Kessié’s future remains a talking point, with the Ivoriank star having declined to discuss it at the press conference. He said: “I am not authorized to talk about this topic, but I still have several months left on my contract, and the matter lies with the coach and management.”
“This is a match of utmost importance, and we will strive to continue our winning streak, especially since we hold the title and must work as a unit to defend it.”
Reports have previously suggested Al-Ahli could consider selling the Ivorián forward for a symbolic fee to avoid losing him for free next summer, provided the deal is financially favorable and preserves his image as a club project capable of exporting stars to Europe, aligning with Kessié’s view that a return to the European spotlight is timely after spending two seasons away.
Since the season’s start, Kessié has produced impressive numbers with the Roshen club, needing just 13 matches to surpass his tally from last season and matching half of his previous-season output. He has five goals in 13 appearances this campaign, having netted four in the previous season and ten in 2023-24, underscoring his growing attacking impact.
Kessié’s Form and Al-Ahli's Dynamo
The Ivorian’s performances have earned him the trust of Jaissle to fulfill various roles on the pitch, providing a crucial balance between defense and attack and acting as the team’s central link in the midfield.
With Kessié on the field, Al-Ahli enjoys tactical flexibility to switch between fast transitions and controlled possession, while his physicality helps him win duels and keep the ball under pressure. He also serves as a leadership figure in the locker room, drawing on experience from clubs like Milan and Barcelona, which has helped stabilize the group and reinforce the club’s ambition to reclaim top status in Saudi football.
Overall, Kessié’s presence strengthens the team’s midfield core and supports a project aimed at sustaining supremacy at home and challenging Europe’s top leagues in due course.
