Clash of Youth Dreams: Al-Ahli's Move Threatens Gulf Cup Semi-Final Hopes
24 December 2025
Stakes Rise in the Gulf Champions League
The youth's hard-fought dream of reaching the Gulf Champions League semifinals is under threat because of Al-Ahli Jeddah.
Roadmap to the Semifinals and Scheduling Pressures
Shabab will face Al-Nahda of Oman on February 11 in the fifth group stage match; victory is essential to keep the dream alive.
The capital team will also play in the Saudi Pro League just 48 hours later, against Al-Ahli on February 13, in round 22.
According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadia, postponing the Al-Ahli–Shabab clash in the Saudi Pro League is unlikely, given Al-Ahli's commitments in the eighth and final round of the Gulf Elite AFC Champions League stage.
The Saudi federation is coordinating with the Saudi Football Federation to find an alternative solution to ease the pressure on Shabab and give the team adequate rest after the Nahda match.
The Saudi federation is trying to move the Shabab–Nahda game to grant the Lions more recovery time.
The youth sit fourth and last in Group B with three points, needing two wins—against Al-Nahda and Tadamon Hadramaut—to reach the semi-finals.
For now, fans will watch nervously as these clubs juggle league duties and continental ambitions, while fate decides whether the dream survives.
Punchline: If drama were a transfer, these lads would file for a loan to the semifinals. Punchline 2: And if the goals come late, the press conference might need a bigger mic and a bigger ego to handle the questions.
