Ahli Jeddah moved closer to qualifying to the Saudi Crown Prince Cup finals after defeating hosts Al-Shabab 2-1 in their first-leg that took place on Wednesday.

Serbian striker Damianovic opened the score for Ahli in the 21st minute before Iraqi star Nashaat Akram netted the equalizer for Al-Shabab in the 46th minute.

Ahli striker Malik Moaz secured his side’s victory with a winner in the dying minutes of the match.

With this result, Ahli’s chances to qualify to the Crown Prince Cup finals have doubled, given that their second-leg against Al-Shabab will take place at home on Sunday.

The aggregate winners of the Ahli and Al-Shabab encounters will face the winners of Hilal and Al-Wehda matches in the competition finals.