Al Ahli's defence of their AFC Champions League Elite title has started on shaky ground, and a 1-1 draw at home against Uzbek side Pakhtakor on September 14 did little to ease growing concern about the club's direction under new head coach Mario Bosic. Pakhtakor took the lead through Brazilian forward Flamarion in the 86th minute, and it took a late equaliser from Saudi international Firas Al-Buraikan deep into stoppage time to salvage a point. For a team that won the last two editions of this competition, dropping points at home in the opening game is a poor statement of intent.

The result reflects a broader pattern of inconsistency that has defined Al Ahli's early season. In the Saudi Pro League, the club sits sixth with 12 points from seven games, already three points behind fifth-placed Neom. The departure of title-winning coach Matias Jaissle over the summer looms large over these performances, and Bosic has yet to find a stable identity for the squad.

Off the pitch, the club has also faced scrutiny over transfer decisions, including questions around why they did not pursue Marcelo Brozovic before the Croatian midfielder joined Qatari side Al Sadd. Riyad Mahrez, who helped deliver those two Asian titles, has also left, and fan frustration at his exit is growing as results disappoint.

Attention now turns to September 19, when Al Ahli face Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, a match that carries significant weight given the pressure already building around the club.