On video: Al-Sahlawi: Al-Ahli have no fangs, and Auckland's defence embarrasses the elite

A poor first half

Former Saudi football star Mohammed Al-Sahlawi tore into Al-Ahli's performance against Auckland City, even though the Jeddah side dominated the pitch.

Analysing the first half of Al-Ahli's clash with New Zealand's Auckland City in the first round of the 2026 Club Continental Cup, Al-Sahlawi insisted the hosts' possession had been utterly sterile. It had not translated into any real threat on the goal of the Oceania champions.

"Al-Ahli are dominating the run of play with a high possession rate, but this dominance has not turned into scoring chances or effective pressure," Al-Sahlawi said on MBC Action. "On the other hand, Auckland's defence is very well organised."

He pinpointed the flaw. "Al-Ahli's real problem lies in the extreme slowness in circulating the ball and the absence of individual solutions in the final third, which has made things easier for Auckland's defence, which has packed its rear areas and closed the spaces in front of Firas Al-Buraikan's movements, leaving Al-Ahli's attempts confined to ineffective crosses."

His prescription followed. "Al-Ahli are required to raise the tempo of play and rely on penetrating through the middle and shooting from outside the box to break down this defensive organisation," he said, warning that more of the same sterile football might hand the New Zealand side greater confidence as the minutes ticked by and complicate the Asian champions' search for an opening goal.

The match is being played at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah amid huge fan support. Al-Ahli want a strong start to their global campaign. Auckland City, the Oceania champions, are looking to cling to their defensive organisation and spring a surprise against the hosts.