South African tactician Pitso Mosimane was appointed Al Ahli Jeddah’s manager last September with one mission to secure promotion back to the Saudi Pro League at the first time of asking after facing their first-ever relegation at the end of the last season.
Mosimane’s men needed a late winner from Riyad Boudebouz, who converted from the spot in the 97th minute, to secure a 2-1 victory against Hagar which was enough to confirm their Saudi Pro League status next season.
The victory raised Al Ahli’s points tally to 65 points, at the summit of the Saudi First Division, 15 points away from fifth-placed Al Faisaly with four games left to play.
It is worth mentioning that the top 4 teams in the Saudi First Division will be directly promoted to the Pro League as the Saudi Football Federation are extending the number of the teams in the top-flight from 16 to 18.
However, Al Ahli are yet to claim the Saudi First Division title as they sit three points away from second-placed Al Akhdood, with a game in hand for the Najran-based club.
Al Ahli are the fifth most crowned team in the Saudi Pro League history , with three titles, behind Al-Hilal (18 titles),al-nasr (9 titles), Al Ittihad (8 titles) and al-shabab (6 titles).
Mosimane is widely regarded as one of Al Ahly’s most successful managers in recent years, as he guided the Red Devils to one Egypt Cup title, two CAF Champions League titles, two CAF Super Cup titles and two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals in his two-season spell in Cairo.
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An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game.
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