September 13, (THEWILL) – A late own goal by Bassam Al-Hurayji in the 100th minute allowed Al-Nassr to equalise and draw 1-1 with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. The match marked Ivan Toney’s debut for Al-Ahli following his recent transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ahli took the lead in the 57th minute through a spectacular strike by Franck Kessie from outside the penalty area. The Ivorian midfielder met a pass on the edge of the box and curled a superb shot into the top corner, giving Al-Ahli the advantage.
Al-Nassr pressed for an equaliser throughout the second half. Their efforts finally paid off deep into stoppage time when Sultan Alghannam’s cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Al-Hurayji while attempting to make a clearance. The own goal denied Al-Ahli victory and salvaged a point for Cristiano Ronaldo’s side.
The home team Al-Nassr had started brightly, with Sadio Mane seeing an early attempt cleared off the goal line. Marcelo Brozovic also tested Al-Ahli goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, with a long-range effort.
However, they were unable to break through in the first half despite their pressure. It was a more intense affair in the second half until the dramatic late equaliser. The result means both teams shared the points in this high-profile Saudi Pro League clash.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
