Mahrez, Toney, Firmino are Hong Kong-bound as Al-Ahli replace Al-Hilal in Saudi Super Cup
Winners of Asian Champions League will take part in tournament in city in August
Asian champions Al-Ahli will replace Al-Hilal in next month’s Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong, it has been confirmed.
Al-Hilal officially withdrew this week, citing concerns over player fatigue following their involvement in the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States. They beat Manchester City in the last 16 of that competition before losing to Fluminense in the quarter-finals.
Winners of the AFC Champions League Elite crown in May, Al-Ahli’s squad includes former English Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Roberto Firmino.
The club announced via their social media accounts on Wednesday that they had accepted a place in the tournament.
They will play Al-Qadisiyah in the second semi-final at Hong Kong Stadium on August 20, a day after Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr take on Al-Ittihad in the first. The final follows on August 23.
Fans with tickets for the August 20 match have been offered the option of a refund.