Kessi and Mahrez Edge Closer to Riyadh Showdown: A Hungry Al-Ahli Eyes Victory
30 October 2025
Kessi and Mahrez on Track for Riyadh Clash
Al-Ahli Jeddah received a timely boost ahead of tonight's Saudi Pro League showdown with Al-Riyadh at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium.
According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiya, Ivory midfielder Franck Kessié is deemed fully fit for the Riyadh match after taking part in the team's full training.
Kessié had missed the King’s Cup Round of 16 clash with Al-Batin due to a health issue, but he is now ready to take the field.
Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez is waiting for the green light to play; he will undergo a set of fitness tests today to determine his availability.
Mahrez has been undergoing knee rehab, working with teammate Wenderson Galino under the supervision of the club's fitness coach.
On the other side, the match comes as the clubs prepare for Round 7 of the league. Al-Ahli sits fifth with 12 points (3 wins, 3 draws), while Al-Riyadh sits 13th with 6 points (2 wins, 4 losses).
New Management, Old Battles: Al-Ahli's Administration
The club announced its new board, aimed at stabilizing both administrative and sporting fronts for the coming period. Khaled Al-Ghamdi leads the board as chair, with Ahmed Al-Shenqiti serving as vice president and head of the executive committee, representing the Public Investment Fund alongside a diverse group of national and international figures.
Other members include Khaled Taash, Ahmed Al-Thebiti, Mohamed bin Laden, and Jake Silverstein, who joins as a board member representing the Public Investment Fund, bringing together local and global expertise.
The changes come as the team seeks balance amid a busy schedule that tests both staff and players.
Yaissle Speaks, Cup Draws and the Road Ahead
Coach Matthias Jaissle spoke ahead of the Riyadh game, saying: “We will play in our fortress with our fans, and we will stay on the same path.” He stressed the importance of continuing the current approach and maintaining a solid defensive record in the last three matches.
He added: “The match comes at a crucial time between league, cup, and potential continental competitions, and both tactical and physical preparation will be decisive for keeping the balance.”
Looking ahead to the King’s Cup, the quarterfinal draw pits Al-Ahli against Al-Qadisiyah. Both teams have shown good league form—Al-Qadisiyah sit fourth, Al-Ahli fifth—and Al-Ahli had advanced past Al-Batin 3-0 in the previous round. In last season’s King’s Cup, Al-Ittihad triumphed over Al-Qadisiyah (3-1), a reminder of how tight knockout football can be.
The Cup’s all-time leaders see Al-Ittihad with six titles, Al-Hilal with nine, Al-Ahli with eight, and Al-Nassr with five.
Punchline time: If this game were a haircut, the barber would be the goalkeeper—lots of saves, and a few buzz-worthy moments. Punchline two: I’m watching this clash from my couch; it’s the only fortress I actually defend with snacks and cholesterol-chanking enthusiasm.
