Al-Ahli thrashed Al-Qadsiah 5-1 in the semifinal of the Saudi Super Cup on Wednesday to book a showdown on Saturday with Al-Nassr.
In the traditional curtain-raiser to the Saudi Pro League season, the Asian champions recovered from an early setback after their rivals from Dammam took an eighth-minute lead.
Christopher Bonsu Baah, signed by Al-Qadsiah from Belgian club Genk in the summer, cut in on the left side and the Ghanaian international chipped a perfect cross into the six-yard box for Gaston Alvarez to head home.
Al-Ahli were level just four minutes later. A long throw caused chaos in the area and Franck Kessie swept the loose ball home.
The Greens took the lead in the 28th minute. A raised arm in the box led to a penalty and Ivan Toney stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.
Just three minutes later it was 3-1 thanks to some fine wing play from Riyad Mahrez. The former Manchester City star twisted and turned on the right edge of the area and crossed for French midfielder Enzo Millot — who was making his debut — to head home from close range.
It got worse for Al-Qadsiah just before the break as Bonsu Baah was red carded for a reckless tackle.
Then, in added time in the first half, the game was virtually over as a contest as Kessie scored his second and his team’s fourth. Mahrez, on the other side this time, floated over another perfect cross and the former AC Milan man made no mistake.
More misery was inflicted just after the hour as Nacho Fernandez put into his own net.
Al-Ahli, who have won the trophy once, will take on Al-Nassr, twice winners of the cup, at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday.
