Jeddah giants Al-Ahli secured the Saudi Super Cup, triumphing over Al-Nassr with a 5-3 victory in a thrilling penalty shootout following a captivating 2-2 draw at Hong Kong International Stadium on Saturday. Significantly, this win marks Al-Ahli’s second Super Cup title, building upon their initial success in 2016.
During regulation time, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo powerfully scored his 100th goal for Al-Nassr, providing his team with an early advantage. However, Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie quickly cancelled out Ronaldo’s impressive strike from the penalty spot during first-half stoppage time, thus levelling the score.
Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic skillfully handed Al-Nassr the lead in the final once again, showcasing his exceptional talent. Nevertheless, Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez scored a crucial goal, consequently forcing the summit clash into a decisive penalty shootout.
Al-Nassr’s Missed Opportunities
From the opening whistle, Al-Nassr demonstrated a strong determination to secure victory, aiming to help Ronaldo clinch his second title in Saudi Arabia since his Arab Club Champions Cup win in 2023. Jorge Jesus’ men relentlessly pressed with a flurry of attacks; however, their numerous chances went begging due to some unfortunate finishing, ultimately leading to their disappointment. For instance, Wesley made a darting run down the byline and cut into the box, attempting to find the far post, but his shot fizzed just wide.
Furthermore, Felix had another opportunity, but Edouard Mendy, the opposing goalkeeper, reacted quickly and denied the shot. Ronaldo, always seeking the spotlight, attempted an acrobatic overhead kick in the 22nd minute, yet the keeper easily collected it.
Penalty Drama and Mendy’s Heroic Save
Nassr continued their relentless pursuit of the lead, and in the 41st minute, they broke the deadlock. The referee awarded them a penalty after the ball struck Ali Majrashi’s arm inside the box. With tension palpable, Ronaldo confidently stepped up to take the spot-kick. He calmly slotted the ball down the middle, sending Mendy the wrong way and putting his team 1-0 ahead.
Their joy, however, was short-lived as Franck Kessie curled a brilliant shot from the edge of the box, beating goalkeeper Bento and restoring parity. As the match neared its conclusion, Marcelo Brozovic seemed to have sealed the deal for Al-Nassr. With only eight minutes remaining, he capitalized on a loose ball following a mistake from Kessie, who lost possession at the edge of the box. Brozovic calmly curled the ball into the far corner, past a helpless Mendy.
Yet, just when victory appeared certain, Al-Ahli delivered one last surprise. In a dramatic final moment, Roger Ibanez rose above the defenders to head home a corner, equalizing for Al-Ahli.
In the subsequent penalty shootout, Mendy emerged as the undisputed hero, expertly saving Abdullah Al-Khaibari’s crucial attempt to secure the coveted trophy for Al-Ahli.
Al-Ahli’s flawless execution in the shootout highlighted their composure under pressure, ultimately leading them to victory in this thrilling Saudi Super Cup clash.
