Al-Ahli Saudi crush 10-man Al-Qadsiah 5-1 to set up final against Al-Nassr

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Al-Ahli Saudi delivered a commanding performance to defeat Al-Qadsiah 5-1 in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final on Wednesday night at Hong Kong Stadium, securing a place in Saturday's final against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

Al-Qadsiah started brightly and took an early lead in the 8th minute through a header from defender Gastón Álvarez. However, Al-Ahli responded emphatically with four first-half goals to seize control of the match.

Franck Kessié led the charge with two goals, netting in the 12th and deep into first-half stoppage time. Ivan Toney added a third from the penalty spot in the 27th minute, and Enzo Millot extended the lead just three minutes later.

The match tilted further in Al-Ahli’s favor just before halftime when Al-Qadsiah defender Bonsu Baah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review confirmed he had intentionally stepped on opponent Roger Ibañez.

Playing with ten men, Al-Qadsiah faced continued pressure after the break. Their difficulties were compounded in the 61st minute when captain Nacho Fernández turned a low cross from Al-Ahli’s Galeno into his own net, making the score 5-1.

Al-Ahli remained on the front foot throughout the second half. Efforts from Galeno and Ivan Toney were either saved or ruled out for offside, while a close-range attempt from Riyad Mahrez in the 71st minute was also denied.

With this comprehensive victory, Al-Ahli Saudi advances to the final this Saturday, where they will meet Al-Nassr, who defeated Al-Ittihad in the first semi-final on August 19.

(Updated 10.20pm)