Al-Jandal Stuns Al-Ahli, Knocks Them Out of the King’s Cup

Al-Ahli Jeddah faced a shocking early exit from the King’s Cup after a surprising 2-1 defeat to first-division side Al-Jandal in the Round of 32.
Al-Jandal’s goals came from Abdullah Maatouq (24′) and Yassine Amri (29′), while Al-Ahli’s only goal was scored by English forward Ivan Toney (81′).
The match was marked by frustration from Al-Ahli fans, who booed their team off the pitch after a disappointing first half. Despite heavy pressure from Al-Ahli early in the game, it was Al-Jandal who capitalized on their chances. Maatouq opened the scoring with a composed finish after breaking through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Just minutes later, Maatouq won a penalty after Brazilian defender Roger Ibañez fouled him in the box. Al-Jandal’s advantage doubled when Yassine Amri confidently converted the spot-kick after a foul by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Al-Ahli struggled to respond and managed only one goal late in the second half.
Ivan Toney fired a powerful shot in the 81st minute, narrowing the deficit, but Al-Ahli failed to complete the comeback despite intense pressure in the final moments. The match ended in a stunning 2-1 victory for Al-Jandal, marking one of the most significant upsets in King’s Cup history.
In the wake of the loss, which followed a $150 million investment in new signings, Al-Ahli quickly canceled a planned rest day for the squad.
According to the reports, an emergency meeting was held by Al-Ahli’s board to discuss the future of the head coach after the disastrous exit from the King’s Cup. Other reports suggest that key decision-makers at the club, along with influential Al-Ahli figures, are currently engaging in intensive discussions regarding the potential dismissal of the German coach after the team’s humiliating exit from the tournament.
The same reports also emphasized that several prominent Al-Ahli figures are willing to cover the cost of hiring a new coach, should the relevant authorities hesitate to take this step for administrative reasons.
This defeat is Al-Ahli’s second under Jaissle this season, following their loss in the semi-final of the Dareaya Cup for the Saudi Super Cup.
The club currently sits sixth in the Saudi Pro League with seven points, ahead of Al-Qadisiyah on goal difference.
On the continental stage, Al-Ahli recently opened their AFC Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Iranian side Persepolis, thanks to a goal from Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié.