In a thrilling semi-final of the King’s Cup held in Jeddah, Al Hilal emerged victorious against Al Ahli, winning 4-2 on penalties after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The match took place on March 19, 2026, and showcased the intense rivalry between the two clubs.
The first half saw Al Hilal take the lead when Theo Hernandez scored in the 39th minute, giving them a crucial advantage. However, Al Ahli fought back, and Ivan Toney equalized from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, forcing the match into extra time.
During the penalty shootout, Al Hilal’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou played a pivotal role, making crucial saves, including denying Toney’s penalty effort and stopping a shot from Galeno. This performance was instrumental in securing Al Hilal’s progression to the final.
The match statistics reflect the tension of the encounter, with both teams scoring one goal each in regulation time. Al Hilal’s victory on penalties was marked by their ability to convert four penalties successfully, while Al Ahli managed to convert only two.
With this win, Al Hilal will now face Al Kholood in the King’s Cup final, a team that eliminated the defending champions Al Ittihad on penalties in the other semi-final. This sets the stage for an exciting final, as both teams look to claim the prestigious title.
Looking ahead, Al Hilal’s next match is scheduled against Al-Taawoun on April 4th, as they continue their campaign in the Roshn Saudi League. Coach Simone Inzaghi has been strategic in his lineup choices, including key players like Karim Benzema and Malcom Oliveira, which has contributed to their success in the tournament.
The atmosphere during the match was electric, with fans from both sides passionately supporting their teams. The outcome of this semi-final not only highlights Al Hilal’s strength but also raises questions about Al Ahli’s future strategies as they regroup after this narrow defeat.
As the football community reflects on this match, the performances of both teams will be analyzed closely, particularly the key moments that led to the penalty shootout. Al Hilal’s ability to handle pressure in such high-stakes situations could be a decisive factor in their upcoming final.
Overall, this semi-final has added another chapter to the storied rivalry between Al Ahli and Al Hilal, with fans eagerly anticipating their next encounters.