Senegalese international goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, arrived in Jeddah on Friday, in preparation for joining his team, Al-Ahli Saudi Club, for training, after the end of his participation with his national team in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast.

Mendy's return represents a significant morale and tactical boost for Al-Ahli, who missed his services in eight matches during the continental tournament. The absence of the former Chelsea goalkeeper was keenly felt, as he is considered a key player in the squad that is strongly competing for a top spot in the Saudi Professional League.

Background of African participation

Mendy represented Senegal, the defending champions, and the team delivered a strong performance in the group stage, achieving a perfect record of three wins. However, their journey ended unexpectedly in the round of 16 at the hands of Ivory Coast, the host nation and current champions, after a marathon match decided by penalties. Despite the early exit, Mendy's impressive performances confirmed his status as one of the continent's best goalkeepers.

The importance of Mendy's return to Al Ahly

The potential transfer of Édouard Mendy, the 2021 UEFA Champions League winner and FIFA's Best Goalkeeper in the World, to Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 is considered one of the most significant deals of the Saudi Pro League season. His return is particularly crucial at this critical juncture, as Al-Ahli aims to solidify its position in the top four and compete for second place. Having a goalkeeper of Mendy's experience and caliber will provide the team with greater confidence in its back line and contribute to a more organized defense, something the team needs in its upcoming challenging matches.

Preparing for the upcoming match

Al-Ahli is set to face a crucial match away against Al-Akhdoud (not Neom as originally reported, since Neom is not currently playing in the Roshan League) in the upcoming round of the Roshan League. Al-Ahli currently sits third in the standings with 37 points, level on points with second-placed Al-Nassr but behind on goal difference. This makes every upcoming match a must-win for Al-Ahli as they strive to maintain their position and compete for a spot in next season's Asian Champions League. Mendy is expected to be available for the match and will be a valuable asset to his team as they aim for victory and all three points.

In a surprising move aimed at salvaging their disastrous season, the board of directors of Al-Najma Club, headed by Mr. Meshaal bin Mansour Al-Marzouki, announced the appointment of former international star Nasser Al-Shamrani as the general supervisor of the first football team until the end of the current 2025/26 season. This decision comes at a very critical time for the team, which is currently at the bottom of the Saudi Professional League standings.

Background to the decision and dimensions of the difficult task

In its official statement released on Friday, Al-Najma Club clarified that the administration has granted Nasser Al-Shamrani, nicknamed "The Earthquake," full technical and administrative authority to reorganize the team and get it back on track. This appointment is seen as a lifeline for one of the most prominent goalscorers in Saudi football history, with the hope that his experience and strong personality will help instill a renewed fighting spirit in the players.

Al-Najma team is in an unenviable situation, as it occupies the last place in the standings with only 4 points, collected from 4 draws, without tasting victory in the past 17 rounds, while it suffered 12 defeats, making it the first threat to relegation.

Nasser Al-Shamrani: From stadium legend to rescue mission

Nasser Al-Shamrani (42 years old) boasts a football career brimming with achievements and titles, establishing himself as one of the best strikers in the history of Saudi Arabia and Asia. Al-Shamrani was crowned Asian Player of the Year in 2014 and holds the record for the most Saudi League top scorer titles with five. Throughout his career, he played for major Saudi clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab, and Al-Ittihad, leaving an indelible mark of goal-scoring prowess at every club he joined.

The management of Al-Najma is counting on this inspiring career and the extensive experience that Al-Shamrani has gained in Saudi and Asian stadiums, not only on the technical level, but also on the psychological and moral side, to get the players out of the state of frustration they are going through.

First challenge and expected impact

Al-Shamrani's first challenge in his new role will be the crucial match against Al-Qadisiyah on Sunday evening, January 25th, as part of the 18th round of the Roshan League. The Saudi sports community eagerly awaits to see the impact Al-Shamrani will have on the team's performance in this pivotal encounter.

Locally, this move is seen as a significant and calculated gamble by Al-Najma Club, one that could either lead the team to safety or prove to be a challenging first managerial experience for a football legend. Al-Shamrani's success in this role could open many doors for him in the world of coaching and sports management in the future, while Al-Najma's continued presence in the top league remains the ultimate goal for all the club's loyal fans.