Djaniny’s deflected strike was enough to earn Al-Fateh a first win of the Saudi Pro League season as they edged past Al-Ahli 1-0 on Tuesday.

In a game short of clear-cut chances, the hosts got a stroke of luck to help them beat Edouard Mendy.

The teams struggled to get going in the first half, with both goalkeepers only having to make a couple of comfortable saves apiece.

Riyad Mahrez had the best chance, racing in behind Al-Fateh’s defence only to drag his low shot wide of the far post. However, his blushes were spared by the offside flag.

Djaniny broke the deadlock from range in the 54th minute – his scuffed shot took a wicked deflection off Ibanez, and Mendy could not keep it out despite getting hands to it after being wrongfooted.

Al-Ahli pushed for an equaliser, with Sumayhan Al Nabit cutting inside in stoppage time, but his low drive was straight at Peter Szappanos.

FT: Al Fateh 1-0 Al Ahli

Al Fateh bounce back from their opening day defeat thanks to Djaniny’s strike early in the second half #RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/n8318Wfyqo

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) August 27, 2024

Data Debrief: Milestone win for hosts

While it was not a classic by any stretch, Al-Fateh will remember it as their 150th win in the Saudi Pro League (85 home, 65 away). They are the sixth club to hit that milestone in the competition’s history.

Al-Fateh have now won five of their last 22 Saudi Pro League matches against Jeddah clubs (drawn six, lost 11), with all of those victories coming against Al-Ahli.