Al Ahli's inconsistency under coach Marino Boscic is becoming the defining story of their season. A late equaliser from Firas Al-Buraikan salvaged a 1-1 draw against Pakhtakor in their AFC Champions League Elite opener, but the manner of the performance did little to ease concerns about the team's direction. Pakhtakor took the lead in the 86th minute, and the fact that Al Ahli needed a stoppage-time goal to avoid defeat underlined the fragility that has crept into the squad this season.

The contrast with previous campaigns is stark. Al Ahli won the AFC Champions League Elite in each of the last two seasons under Matias Jaissle, but the Argentine's departure has left a visible gap in both structure and confidence. Boscic has faced persistent scrutiny, and the draw against Pakhtakor added fresh pressure on a coach yet to convince supporters he can defend the continental title.

In the Saudi Pro League, the club sit sixth with 12 points from seven games, four points behind the top four. Ivan Toney leads the league scoring charts with 10 goals and remains a genuine bright spot, but individual quality alone has not been enough to paper over the team's collective issues.

Attention now turns to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where Al Ahli face Mamelodi Sundowns on 19 September at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. It is another significant test of whether Boscic can steady the ship.