Al-Ahli’s missed chances cost them the chance to move to the top of the Saudi Pro League as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Al-Ettifaq. The game was a tight affair with both teams having opportunities to snatch a win, but neither could find the back of the net.
In the first half, Al-Ahli started strong and had their hosts under pressure, with Marek Rodak making crucial saves to deny Galeno, Ivan Toney, and Franck Kessie. Merih Demiral came closest to scoring for Al-Ahli with a header that hit the top of the goal frame.
Despite more chances in the second half, Al-Ahli continued to be wasteful in front of goal. Demiral had another opportunity from a set-piece but was flagged offside after heading wide. Kessie and Ibanez also missed chances to score late in the game.
Al-Ahli will be disappointed not to have taken all three points, especially considering they had 13 shots and hit the woodwork. They dominated possession and made more passes in the final third, but their lack of quality in front of goal let them down.
In contrast, Al-Ettifaq failed to hit the target with any of their four attempts, generating only 0.5 xG. Both teams maintained their unbeaten start to the season, but Al-Ahli will feel they should have come away with a win.
