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Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez scored the decisive goal as Al Ahli edged city rivals Al Ittihad 1-0 in the Jeddah derby on Saturday, deepening the defending champions’ woes in the Roshn Saudi League.
Al Ahli climbed to fifth place with 16 points, while Al Ittihad, winless in their last five league matches, remained eighth with 11 points.
Despite a lively start, Al Ittihad failed to convert possession into chances, with captain Karim Benzema unable to trouble goalkeeper Edouard Mendy throughout the match.
Al Ahli threatened late in the first half when Franck Kessie went close before being flagged offside.
Mahrez finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, controlling inside the area before slotting a composed low finish past Predrag Rajkovic.
Mendy ensured all three points for Al Ahli with a superb save from Danilo’s header deep into stoppage time.
The result piles more pressure on Al Ittihad’s faltering campaign, while Al Ahli’s steady form keeps them firmly among the early-season contenders.
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