Saudi Pro League: Mahrez and Kessié combine to lead Al Ahli to victory

Al-Ahli Saudi Club/X

Two of the Saudi Pro League's top four clubs were in action on Tuesday and both Al-Nassr and Al Ahli held on for narrow victories. For Al Ahli, Riyad Mahrez was once again instrumental while Ivory Coast national team star Franck Kessié also contributed in a 3-2 victory at relegation battling Al Wehda.

Ahli's African connection put them just beyond reach of a comeback effort from Al Wehda. In the 89th minute (video above), a chipped pass from Kessié was perfectly measured to find Mahrez at the far post for the Algerian to fire in a volley and make it 3-1 late on.

Mahrez also played a role in the two previous goals for Ahli. His corner kick in the 6th minute created all sorts of danger for the Wehda defense before Roger Ibañez finished to put the visitors ahead. Mahrez received credit for the assist on Ahli's second goal when his cross found another Brazilian, Galeno, for the finish.

Al-Nassr found a late winner in their 3-2 victory from the other match on Tuesday, meaning Ahli remain in fourth place two points back of Nassr. Ahli will now turn their attention to the AFC Champions League on Saturday when they face Thailand's Buriram United in the quarterfinals.

Mahrez is in peak form. The Algeria national team superstar now has two goals and four assists in his last two matches and captured the SPL's Goal of the Week honor for the previous matchday. He now has 15 goals and 18 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. After his assist, Kessié has 3 goals and 5 assists in 37 matches.