Saudi U23s Grant Ahli’s Request Ahead of Epic Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr Clash
1 January 2026
Ahead of the Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr clash
Saudi's under-23 team has agreed to the urgent request submitted by Al-Ahli Jeddah, just hours before their highly anticipated clash with Al-Nassr.
Al-Ahli Jeddah will host Al-Nassr at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium tomorrow, Friday, for round 13 of the Saudi Pro League.
The newspaper Al-Yawm reported that the Saudi under-23 team approved Al-Ahli's request to keep Yasin Al-Zubaidi and Mohammad Abdul Rahman on the Blues' roster to face Al-Nassr, with the pair set to join the Green Falcons after the Clasico.
The duo Yasin Al-Zubaidi and Mohammad Abdul Rahman are among the key players trusted by German coach Matthias Jaissle in Al-Ahli's lineup.
Both players are in the Saudi squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup to be held this month in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Al-Nassr sits atop the Saudi Pro League with 31 points, while Al-Ahli is fourth on 22.
Punchline 1: If drama were points, this move just gave Ahli a late-season victory—and the press conference will surely bring extra drama.
Punchline 2: Like a sniper with perfect timing, this roster tweak lands right on target before the big Clasico—and yes, the ball will probably post the winner on social media before the players do.