Al-Ahli progressed to the Saudi Super Cup final after a 5-1 victory over Al-Qadsiah, with Kessie scoring twice. Despite conceding an early goal, Al-Ahli responded strongly, with Toney, Millot and Fernandez (own goal) also finding the net. Al-Qadsiah’s woes were compounded by a red card, as Al-Ahli dominated with an xG of 3.22. Kessie’s all-around performance, marked by goals, passes, and duels won, highlighted Al-Ahli’s clinical display, setting up a Super Cup final clash with Al-Nassr.
Al-Ahli secured their place in the Saudi Super Cup final in emphatic fashion, dismantling Al-Qadsiah with a resounding 5-1 victory in a match held in Hong Kong. The dominant performance, fueled by a stellar first half, saw Franck Kessie bag two goals, while Riyad Mahrez orchestrated the attack with two assists, setting up a highly anticipated final clash with Al-Nassr.
However, Al-Ahli's path to victory wasn't without its initial challenges. Al-Qadsiah drew first blood when Gaston Alvaraz headed past Edouard Mendy just eight minutes into the game, threatening to disrupt Al-Ahli's plans. But the setback proved to be a mere blip as Al-Ahli responded swiftly and decisively.
Kessie quickly restored parity, finding the net just four minutes after Al-Qadsiah's opener. The momentum then swung firmly in Al-Ahli's favor when Ivan Toney converted a penalty, awarded after a handball by Nahitan Nandez, putting his side ahead just before the half-hour mark. Al-Ahli continued to pile on the pressure.
New signing Enzo Millot, fresh from Stuttgart, made an instant impact, marking his debut with a powerful header past Koen Casteels. Mahrez's pinpoint cross found Millot inside the area, allowing the debutant to showcase his aerial prowess and extend Al-Ahli's lead. Al-Qadsiah's woes deepened further when they were reduced to 10 men in the 42nd minute.
Christopher Bonsu Baah was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Ibanez, leaving his team with an uphill battle. Al-Ahli capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Kessie effectively sealing the result in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, completing his brace and putting his team firmly in control.
The rout was complete just after the hour mark, courtesy of an own goal from Nacho Fernandez. The unfortunate deflection compounded Al-Qadsiah's misery and underscored Al-Ahli's dominance throughout the match. With the score at 5-1, the final whistle confirmed Al-Ahli's commanding victory and their progression to the Saudi Super Cup final.
| “The President” equalizes the score #AlAhli_AlQadsiyah#SaudiSuperCup pic.twitter.com/28B4aUXRqw
— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) August 20, 2025
Data Debrief: Kessie's Statement Performance
Al-Ahli's attacking prowess was on full display. Last season, they scored 69 goals in the Saudi Pro League and they were clinical in this match. They registered an expected goals (xG) total of 3.22 from their 14 attempts, nine of which were on target, compared to Al-Qadisah’s 0.43 from their five shots. Kessie led the charge, complementing his two goals with stellar all-around play. He completed the third-most passes (57) and won the third-most duels (four) for his team. Further, Kessie also won possession back more than any other player on the pitch (nine), highlighting his importance in both attack and defense.
The stage is now set for a thrilling Saudi Super Cup final between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr. Al-Ahli's commanding performance against Al-Qadsiah sends a clear message of their title aspirations. With Kessie in inspired form and Mahrez pulling the strings, Al-Ahli will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to Al-Nassr in the final. The final promises to be a captivating encounter. The match is expected to attract a large audience, eager to witness the clash of two of Saudi Arabia's footballing giants. Football fans can expect intensity and drama as both teams battle it out for the coveted trophy.
Al-Ahli's journey to the final has been impressive, with their dominant victory over Al-Qadsiah showcasing their attacking firepower. However, Al-Nassr will undoubtedly present a stern test, with their own array of talented players capable of turning the game on its head. The tactical battle between the two managers will also be fascinating, as they seek to outwit each other and guide their teams to victory.
As the final approaches, anticipation continues to build, with both Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr supporters eagerly awaiting the chance to see their teams compete for the Saudi Super Cup title. The final promises to be a memorable occasion, filled with excitement, passion, and drama. It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted trophy, but one thing is certain: the Saudi Super Cup final is a match that no football fan will want to miss.