Al-Ahli vs Al-Hilal: Saudi King’s Cup Semi-Final Ends in Penalty Drama

By Vikram Nair / 19.03.2026

In a thrilling encounter on March 18, 2026, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli clashed in the semi-finals of the Saudi King’s Cup at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, but Al-Hilal triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the final.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Al-Hilal in the 39th minute, putting his team ahead. However, Al-Ahli responded with a penalty equalizer from Ivan Toney in the 78th minute, leading to a stalemate that persisted through extra time.

This match marked the third draw between the two teams this season, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry. Despite the draw, Al-Hilal’s performance in the shootout proved decisive, as they converted four penalties compared to Al-Ahli’s two.

During the shootout, Yassine Bounou emerged as a key player, saving Toney’s penalty attempt. Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves and Theo Hernandez both scored in the shootout, with Hernandez’s penalty sealing the victory.

Al-Hilal’s advancement to the King’s Cup final reflects their strong form in the tournament, while Al-Ahli’s struggle with finishing quality was noted throughout the match. The game showcased the intensity and skill present in Saudi football.

As the teams move forward, Al-Hilal will look to capitalize on this momentum in the final, while Al-Ahli will need to regroup and address their finishing issues ahead of future matches.

The match not only entertained fans but also underscored the growing competitiveness of the Saudi football scene, with both teams showcasing their talents on a significant stage.

Reactions to the match have been mixed, with Al-Hilal fans celebrating their team’s resilience, while Al-Ahli supporters expressed disappointment over the missed opportunities during the game.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes in team line-ups for the upcoming matches, as both teams prepare for their next challenges in the league and cup competitions.

This semi-final encounter will certainly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the ongoing rivalry between Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal, with both teams aiming for glory in the Saudi football landscape.