Pitso apologises to fans after 'unacceptable' first defeat: 'No excuses'

Al Ahli Saudi head coach Pitso Mosimane took to social media to apologise following their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Al Akhdoud in a Saudi First Division League encounter on Thursday evening.

The loss was Mosimane's first since arriving in Saudi Arabia and taking over club duties in September, going on a 13-game unbeaten run as the club seeks promotion to the Saudi Pro League.

"We got humbled tonight. Unacceptable scoreline especially in front of our fans. No excuses, only apologies. Anyway, the race is still long. Sorry," Mosimane expressed via his official Twitter account, early on Friday morning.

We got humbled tonight. Unacceptable scoreline especially in front of our fans. No excuses, only apologies. Anyway, the race is still long. Sorry ??

In what was a fascinating and thrilling 90 minutes of entertaining football at the Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Stadium, Mosimane's charges took the lead via 31-year-old defender Bastos just over the half-hour mark.

However, the visitors only felt further inspired by going a goal behind and on the cusp of half-time, Ousmane Barry equalised. 

Al Akhdoud shifted into fifth gear in the second half as Barry completed his brace, while Al Masabi and Mendes Kaka ensured Mosimane tasted defeat for the first time in Saudi.

The defeat saw Al Ahli surrender the top spot and move to third place, with only goal difference separating four teams at the top of the standings.

Meanwhile, the win catapulted Al Akhdoud to first place with Al Hazm and Al-Faisaly settling for second and fourth spot, respectively.

With 14 matches of the 2022/23 campaign still remaining, Mosimane and Al Ahli still have a chance at winning the league title.

Mosimane will be back in the Al Ahli dugout on Tuesday when they travel to face