Senegal international Edouard Mendy’s competitive debut for Al-Ahli got off to the worst possible start after he conceded a goal from his own mistake at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on Friday.
Al-Ahli, who also fielded fellow new signings Riyad Mahrez, Allain Saint-Maximin, and Frank Kessie, were 2-0 up at the time after a brace from fellow debutant Roberto Firmino had them in control. The second of Firmino’s goals was assisted by Riyad Mahrez. Mendy cheaply gave away possession of the ball to the Al Hazm attacker, who was afforded plenty of time to regain his composure before lobbing the helpless goalkeeper, who could only get to the goal by the time the ball had hit the back of the net.
The Lion of Teranga looked visibly frustrated with himself after allowing the opposition a way back into the game so easily. Mendy left Chelsea in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by Mauricio Pochettino and has subsequently been replaced by Brighton’s Robert Sanchez. He joined the Blues from French side Rennes in 2020 and was part of the Senegal side to win the Africa Cup of Nations. He made the decisive save in the penalty shootout to help his country beat Egypt.
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However, he fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge after Thomas Tuchel was replaced by Graham Potter as a manager in September 2022. He finished last season as the backup to Kepa Arrizabalaga and made just three top-flight starts after Potter took charge.
He was one of several players to swap the Premier League for Saudi Arabia, including ex-Chelsea teammates Kalidou Koulibaly and N’Golo Kante as well as other high-profile names such as Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and more.