Al-Ahli Triumphs Over Al-Nassr to Claim Saudi Super Cup

Al-Ahli emerged victorious in the Saudi Super Cup, defeating Al-Nassr 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time. The match took place on January 6, 2024, in Hong Kong, showcasing an exciting showdown between two of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs.

In a game marked by dramatic moments, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Al-Nassr in the 41st minute with a penalty kick. The Portuguese forward’s goal set the stage for a tense encounter. Moments before halftime, Franck Kessie equalized for Al-Ahli, finding the net in the 45+6th minute. The second half saw Croatian Marcelo Brozovic put Al-Nassr ahead again with a goal in the 82nd minute. Yet, Al-Ahli responded once more, with Roger Ibanez da Silva scoring in the 89th minute to send the match into penalties.

Path to the Final

Al-Nassr reached the Super Cup final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Al-Ittihad in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli showcased their prowess by dominating Al-Qadsiah, winning decisively with a score of 5-1 to secure their place in the championship match.

This year’s Super Cup marks the 12th edition of the tournament, which has seen a variety of clubs claim the title. Historically, Al-Hilal leads with five championships, followed by Al-Nassr with two. Al-Ahli, Al-Fateh, Al-Shabab, and Al-Ittihad each hold one title, demonstrating the competitive nature of Saudi football.

A Memorable Match

The penalty shootout proved to be the decisive moment of the match, with Al-Ahli converting all of their penalties while Al-Nassr failed to score on one of their attempts. This victory not only adds to Al-Ahli’s rich history but also highlights their resilience in a match that tested both teams’ abilities.

Fans from both sides filled the stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere that underscored the significance of the Saudi Super Cup. As Al-Ahli celebrates their triumph, they also set their sights on future challenges in both national and international competitions.