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Riyad Mahrez Scores First Saudi Pro League Goal As Al-Ahli Go Top

Newly-promoted Al-Ahli went top of the Saudi Pro League on Thursday night after winning 3-1 away at Al-Khaleej.

Riyad Mahrez scored his first goal since moving to Saudi Arabia from Manchester City this summer.

Former Roma defender Roger Ibanez also netted for Al-Ahli, who had started the season with a 3-1 win over Al-Hazm six days earlier.

Riyad Mahrez pictured playing for Al-Ahli in a 3-1 win over Al-Khaleej in August 2023

Riyad Mahrez scored his first goal for Al-Ahli in a 3-1 win over Al-Khaleej

Roberto Firmino had scored a hat-trick against Al-Hazm but he missed Thursday's game with an injury.

Ibanez fired Al-Ahli ahead nine minutes into the match with a flying volley from six yards

Mahrez, who cost Al-Ahli a transfer fee in the region of £30 million when he arrived from City last month, then made it 2-0 shortly before half-time.

The Algerian winger, who had gone close to scoring from long range moments earlier, aimed a powerful but controlled right-footed shot high into the net from 15 yards following a cross.

Mansour Hamzi headed Al-Khaleej back into the game 13 minutes into the second half but Sumaihan Al-Nabet wrapped up the points for Al-Ahli in added time after an assist from Allan Saint-Maximin.

Edouard Mendy and Franck Kessie also featured for Al-Ahli on Thursday.