Al Ahli Saudi finally tasted defeat for the first time under Pitso Mosimane on Thursday after succumbing to new table toppers Al Akhdoud.
Pitso Mosimane's team were downed 4-1 at home and immediately surrendered top spot to the team that beat them as top place exchanged hands yet again in the battle for the title.
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It all looked good for Mosimane when Angolan defender Bastos – formerly with Italian Serie A club Lazio – scored the opener after 34 minutes but Ousmane Barry from Guinea equalised in the first half injury time.
The second half turned into disaster when the visitors smashed three goals by Barry, Al Masabi and Brazilian Mendes Kaka to leave Mosimane shocked in dealing with his first defeat in Saudi Arabia.
Even with the second half introduction of January window signings Nicolas Milesi and Modou Barrow it made no difference.
Since taking over in September, the South African has built up an impressive run of 13 games unbeaten before the latest result, which however still keeps them in the promotion places.
With the defeat, Al Ahli have moved down to third place.
All the four top teams are on 37 points and only separated by goal difference with Al Akhdoud tops, Hazem second, Al Ahli third and Al Faisaly fourth.
Next up for Al Ahli is a trip to Al Kholood on Tuesday.
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