Coach Jaissle praises players’ fighting spirit as Al-Ahli top Roshn Saudi League table

Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle has praised his team’s fighting spirit after they secured an important 3-1 win over Al-Khaleej in difficult weather conditions on Thursday night at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam.

The victory took the newly-promoted Jeddah club to the top of the Roshn Saudi League table.

Roger Ibanez gave Al-Ahli a ninth-minute lead before Algerian star Riyad Mahrez doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time.

The home team reduced the deficit in the 58th minute through Mansour Ibrahim Hamzi, but Al-Ahli held out and put the game to bed in the 101st minute through Sumayhan Al-Nabit’s goal.

“It was a crazy match that lasted more than 90 minutes,” Jaissle said in his press conference after the match. “And the players fought hard to claim the win and points, and continue our run of victories.”

The German coach also explained why he ran onto the pitch after the third goal: “It was an emotional moment, so I went out to celebrate with the players. The match was difficult and I am an emotional person.”

“The absence of Firmino was difficult, but we have a suitable alternative, which is (Fahd) Al-Rashidi, and he has great potential.”