Al Ahli appear to have found their footing after a turbulent start to the season, with a dominant 4-0 victory over Al Fateh providing a timely boost to a squad that had been struggling for consistency. Francisco Trincao scored twice, with Ivan Toney and Ziad Al-Jahani adding the others, as the Jeddah club produced the kind of attacking football their supporters expect. The result moved them to sixth in the Saudi Pro League on 15 points from eight matches, just one point behind fifth-placed Neom SC.

The win carries extra weight given the managerial uncertainty that had been building around the club. Reports had emerged that Al Ahli's board was considering replacing head coach Marino Pusic following a poor run that included defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Intercontinental Cup and Al-Qadisiyah in the league. The performance against Al Fateh has complicated that decision, with Pusic delivering a result that his predecessor Matthias Jaissle reportedly could not match in similar circumstances. Whether the board proceeds with a change remains unclear, though Romanian coach Eduard Iordanescu had been identified as a potential replacement.

The squad also faces a concern over Mateus Goncalves, who picked up an injury during the Al Fateh match that could keep him sidelined for an extended period. Attention now turns to the AFC Champions League Elite, where Al Ahli travel to face Al-Wasl on Monday, looking to build on their domestic momentum in continental competition.