Al Ahli SC 3-1 Al Hazem: Ruthless Second Half Sends Hosts to Saudi Pro League Win

Al Ahli SC claimed a 3-1 victory over Al Hazem in the Saudi Professional League on September 12, 2026, producing a performance that mixed patience with clinical finishing at King Abdullah Sports City. After a controlled but cautious opening, the home side accelerated after the break and scored three times to secure all three points. Al Hazem had moments of resistance and grabbed a consolation goal, but they were ultimately overwhelmed by Al Ahli's quality in the final third.

Match Overview

Al Ahli began the match as expected: dominating possession, pushing their full-backs high, and forcing Al Hazem into a deep defensive block. The visitors sat in a compact 5-4-1 shape, looking to deny space between the lines and spring counterattacks through their wide runners. For the first 20 minutes, the plan held. Al Ahli moved the ball side to side without finding a clear opening, and Al Hazem even managed a couple of promising breaks.

The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute. A quick combination on the right drew Al Hazem's midfield toward the ball, and a low cross into the penalty area was converted by Ivan Toney with a first-time finish. The goal settled Al Ahli, who continued to probe without overcommitting. Al Hazem, to their credit, did not collapse; they reached half-time with only a one-goal deficit and a clear sense that a set piece or counter could bring them back into the contest.

Key Moments

• 24th minute — Al Ahli 1-0: Ivan Toney opened the scoring with a sharp finish after a well-worked move down the right.
• 58th minute — Al Ahli 2-0: Riyad Mahrez doubled the lead, cutting inside from the flank and curling a left-footed shot beyond the goalkeeper.
• 71st minute — Al Ahli 2-1: Al Hazem pulled one back from a set piece, with a header at the near post giving the visitors brief hope.
• 82nd minute — Al Ahli 3-1: Gabri Veiga restored the two-goal cushion, arriving late in the box to finish a low cross and end the comeback attempt.

Tactical Story

Al Ahli's attacking shape was built around width and late runs. Mahrez and the overlapping right-back stretched Al Hazem's back five, while Toney occupied the central defenders and created space for midfield runners. The hosts also pressed aggressively after losing possession, preventing Al Hazem from turning defense into attack with clean, long sequences. That pressure told in the second half, when Al Hazem's legs began to tire and gaps appeared between the lines.

Al Hazem's best moments came when they bypassed the first line of pressure with direct balls into the channels. Their goal was a reward for that approach, but they lacked the sustained possession needed to keep Al Ahli on the back foot. Once Veiga scored the third, the match was effectively over.

Standout Players

Toney was central to Al Ahli's win, not only for his goal but for his link-up play and movement in the box. Mahrez was the creative spark, constantly testing his marker and delivering the kind of decisive moment that changed the tempo of the game. Veiga's late goal capped an energetic midfield display, while Al Ahli's goalkeeper handled Al Hazem's rare counterattacks with composure.

For Al Hazem, the goalkeeper made several saves to keep the score respectable, and the defense held firm for long stretches before the second-half surge. Their set-piece goal showed the threat they can carry when they win free kicks in dangerous areas.

What It Means

The three points reinforce Al Ahli's position among the Saudi Professional League's leading contenders. A home win of this nature — controlled, multi-layered, and sealed with a late goal — builds momentum for the fixtures ahead. For Al Hazem, the defeat leaves them searching for consistency, though the performance offered enough encouragement to suggest they can pick up points in tighter matches. The head-to-head now favors Al Ahli, and the return fixture will give Al Hazem a chance to respond.