Overdue Woes: Can Al Ahli Break the Akhdood Curse This Weekend?
9 January 2026
Rivalry Hangs Over the Weekend
Al Ahli prepare for an away match on Saturday against Al Akhdood, in the fourteenth round of the Saudi Pro League.
Al Ahli hope to win for the first time against Al Akhdood in the league since August 2023, a stubborn recurring hurdle the team must finally break to keep climbing the standings and perhaps restore some confidence in the camp ahead of a demanding schedule.
Since Al Ahli's 1-0 victory over Al Akhdood in the third round of the 2023-24 season, Ahli have since lost 3-2, then drew 1-1, and last season also fell 2-1 in the second meeting. Fans are hoping for a revival after a rocky stretch.
Additionally, Akhdood have been more prolific, scoring six goals to Ahli’s four.
Despite a wide gap in the table—Ahli sitting fifth with 25 points, while Akhdood hold five points as the penultimate team—the enduring curse drives Jaissle’s squad to chase a long-awaited win against a side that has only one victory in 12 matches this season.
What to Watch This Weekend
Punchlines: 1) If counting losses keeps you in shape, Al Akhdood is already in season form. 2) Jaissle’s plan: break the curse, then break for lunch. A halftime pep talk might be the secret ingredient we’ve all been missing.
