Al-Ahli Beat Al-Feiha 3-2, but Calls for Pusic’s Exit Continue
Al-Ahli claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Al-Feiha in the tenth round of the Saudi Roshn League, yet the result did little to calm the anger among sections of the home support. Throughout Monday’s match, Al-Raqi fans repeatedly chanted for Dutch coach Marino Pusic to leave, making clear that a win alone has not resolved their concerns about the team’s direction.
The contest offered plenty of entertainment on the pitch. Ukrainian midfielder Artem Bondarenko scored twice, while Firas Al-Buraikan converted a penalty to secure all three points for Al-Ahli. But as the players celebrated a hard-fought result, the atmosphere in the stands told a more complicated story: supporters were pleased to see their team win, but remained dissatisfied with its overall performances and consistency.
Goals deliver the points, but not a change in mood
Al-Ahli’s attacking quality proved decisive in a match that demanded resilience. Bondarenko’s two goals gave the hosts a major contribution from midfield, and Al-Buraikan’s penalty provided the third strike in a game that stayed tense until the final stages. For the league table, the outcome was valuable. For Pusic, however, it was not the emphatic response that might have quieted the criticism.
The repeated “Pusic out” chants showed that some supporters are judging the coach by more than the final score. They want to see a side that controls matches more convincingly, performs with greater stability and demonstrates a clear identity over the course of the campaign. When those expectations are not met, even a victory can feel insufficient.
That distinction matters for a club with ambitions beyond simply collecting points. Al-Ahli’s fans expect the team to compete strongly in domestic football and make an impression in continental competition. A close win can be welcomed, but it may not ease concerns if supporters believe the performance exposed familiar weaknesses or left too much uncertainty about the team’s progress.
A recurring test of Pusic’s relationship with the fans
The reaction after the Al-Feiha match was not an isolated incident. Pusic has faced boos and calls for his departure on previous occasions, including after games in which Al-Ahli earned a positive result. The repetition suggests that the tension between the Dutch coach and part of the crowd has become a continuing issue rather than a response to one disappointing night.
That creates a challenging environment for a coach. A win can provide breathing room, but it does not necessarily restore confidence when supporters are looking for a sustained improvement. Pusic must now show that the team can build on its latest result, turning a dramatic three points into evidence of a more dependable approach.
For players, too, the atmosphere presents a test. Supporters’ expectations can create pressure, particularly when a team is trying to find consistency. Al-Ahli will need to respond with focused performances and avoid allowing outside noise to disrupt preparations. At the same time, the fans’ reaction is a reminder that results and performance are closely connected in the eyes of a demanding audience.
What the result means for Al-Ahli’s season
The victory keeps Al-Ahli’s campaign moving, but the club’s next challenge is to carry that momentum into upcoming fixtures. The schedule offers little time for the squad to dwell on the celebrations or the criticism. Domestic league commitments continue, while the wider season also brings the demands of continental football, where depth, organisation and consistency are essential.
In that context, the most important question is not simply whether Al-Ahli can win its next match, but whether it can put together a reliable run of performances. A settled team structure, effective use of attacking players and greater control during difficult passages could help turn individual results into a convincing pattern. If the side continues to alternate between strong moments and uncertain spells, frustration in the stands is likely to persist.
For supporters following the Saudi Pro League, Al-Ahli’s situation is a reminder that a club’s ambitions can make every performance feel like a referendum on its coach. The team has talented players and the ability to produce decisive attacking moments, as Bondarenko and Al-Buraikan demonstrated. But turning those moments into sustained success is a different challenge—and one that will shape the conversation around Pusic in the weeks ahead.
Al-Ahli prediction: pressure remains despite the win
Any prediction about Al-Ahli’s immediate future should account for both sides of the picture. The 3-2 win over Al-Feiha highlights the squad’s ability to find goals and secure results in a tight contest. Yet the fans’ response indicates that confidence in the coach has not been fully restored. Another positive result could ease the pressure, especially if it comes with a more convincing display, but a narrow or uneven performance may keep the debate alive.
Pusic’s clearest route to rebuilding trust is consistency. Al-Ahli need to show that the Al-Feiha victory can serve as a foundation rather than a one-off escape. A stronger sequence of results, combined with performances that match the club’s ambitions, would give supporters a reason to reconsider their stance. Until then, the coach is likely to face scrutiny even when his team collects points.
The evening therefore ended with two competing emotions: relief at a thrilling victory and continued frustration over the direction of the team. Al-Ahli secured the result it needed, but the chants delivered a blunt message to Pusic. At this club, points on the board are important; winning back the fans’ confidence will require more than one dramatic night.
