In a gripping encounter on March 19, 2026, Al Hilal overcame Al Ahli in the semi-finals of the King’s Cup, winning 4-2 on penalties after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The match took place in Jeddah, where both teams showcased their determination to reach the final.
The opening goal came from Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez, who found the net in the 39th minute, giving his team a crucial lead. However, Al Ahli responded with resilience, equalizing in the 81st minute through a penalty converted by Ivan Toney.
As the match progressed into extra time, neither team could break the deadlock, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, emerged as a hero, making pivotal saves, including denying Toney’s penalty effort and stopping a shot from Galeno.
Ultimately, Al Hilal converted four penalties, while Al Ahli managed only two, sealing the victory for the Riyadh-based club. This win propels Al Hilal into the King’s Cup final, where they will face Al Kholood, who eliminated the defending champions Al Ittihad in their semi-final match.
Looking ahead, Al Hilal’s next match is scheduled against Al-Taawoun on April 4th, as they aim to maintain their momentum following this significant victory. Coach Simone Inzaghi’s tactical decisions, including the inclusion of stars like Karim Benzema and Malcom Oliveira, played a crucial role in the match’s outcome.
This semi-final not only highlights the competitive nature of the King’s Cup but also sets the stage for an exciting final. Al Hilal’s performance, particularly in the penalty shootout, underscores their resilience and determination to claim the title.
As fans and analysts reflect on the match, the standout performances, especially from Bounou, will be a focal point in discussions leading up to the final. The anticipation builds as Al Hilal prepares to face Al Kholood, promising an exhilarating showdown in the quest for the King’s Cup trophy.