Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy marked his return to action with a clean sheet and three saves as Al-Ahli defeated Abha 4-0 in the Saudi Pro League.
The 34-year-old returned to the starting line-up on Saturday, 22 August, after spending almost two months away from competitive football and immediately produced a commanding performance.
Mendy was named man of the match after helping Al-Ahli secure a comfortable victory in their second league game of the season.
The Senegal international had not played since 23 June, when he featured in Senegal’s 3-2 defeat by Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
He subsequently missed Al-Ahli’s opening league fixture and their King’s Cup match, with Saudi goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi deputising in his absence.
Mendy was finally restored to the starting XI against Abha and showed little sign of rustiness.
His three saves helped Al-Ahli keep their first clean sheet of the campaign, with the former Chelsea goalkeeper particularly impressive in one-on-one situations.
He was tested early in the match, making a save from Koshaim Al Karani in the 17th minute before producing another important stop against Nasser Al-Daajani 11 minutes later.
Mendy was again called upon just before half-time when he denied an effort from his Senegal team-mate Abdou Diallo in the 44th minute.
Diallo’s header appeared to be heading towards goal before Mendy intervened, with the defender acknowledging his international colleague’s save.
The performance completed a memorable return for Mendy, who is also Al-Ahli’s captain.
The goalkeeper’s comeback comes after a difficult period in which his future at the Saudi club had been the subject of transfer speculation. There had also been reports of tension between the player and the club’s management while he recovered from a knee injury suffered during the World Cup.
Mendy, however, waited until he felt fully ready before returning to competitive action.
His timing proved effective, as he helped Al-Ahli record a convincing victory and provided an immediate reminder of his importance to the Saudi side.
The match also came shortly after Mendy received the Golden Glove award for the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season.
The prize recognised him as the league’s best goalkeeper for the previous campaign and added further significance to his return against Abha.
Mendy’s latest clean sheet was his 42nd in 88 Saudi Pro League appearances since moving to the country.
That record represents his best clean-sheet return in the Saudi top flight since arriving at Al-Ahli.
The Senegalese goalkeeper joined the Saudi club after previously playing for Stade Rennais and Chelsea, where he enjoyed a highly successful spell between the posts.
His return gives Al-Ahli an experienced figure as the club targets further domestic success this season.
The Saudi side are aiming to challenge for the Saudi Pro League title while also attempting to retain their AFC Champions League crown.
