Al Ahli are facing a difficult moment after losing the Intercontinental Cup final to Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in Pretoria, marking the second straight season the club has reached the Africa-Asia-Oceania continental final only to fall short. The defeat has intensified scrutiny on coach Marino Pusic, whose tactical decisions during the match drew sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike. Questions are now circulating about his future at the club, with some voices pointing to the departure of former coach Matthias Jaissle as a turning point that left the squad without adequate leadership through a period of significant squad transition.

The result compounds a broader sense of inconsistency that has defined Al Ahli's season so far. In the Saudi Pro League, the club sits sixth with 12 points from seven games, level with Al Kholood but behind Neom SC in fifth. Their recent league form has been mixed, with wins offset by a 3-2 defeat to Al Qadsiah, suggesting the problems extend beyond cup football.

On the squad front, midfielder Saleh Abu Al-Shamat has been recalled to the Saudi national team for Gulf Cup 27 after missing the World Cup squad, offering a small positive amid the broader turbulence. Al Ahli return to league action on October 9, travelling to face Al Fateh, a fixture that carries added weight given the pressure now building around the club's direction.