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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.

LIVERPOOL: Jack Grealish has been backed to provide the “magic” to help usher in a new era for Everton.

The Toffees face Brighton on Sunday in the first Premier League game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, having moved from their Goodison Park home after 133 years.

And defender James Tarkowski says new signing Grealish is the perfect choice to add sparkle to the historic occasion and help the club this season.

The 29-year-old Grealish has joined on loan from Manchester City after struggling for regular first-team opportunities at Etihad Stadium and losing his England place.

He made his Everton debut off the bench in Monday night’s 1-0 loss at Leeds United, where a controversial Tarkowski handball resulted in an 84th-minute penalty winner for Lukas Nmecha.

But the former Aston Villa captain, who cost City $135 million when he signed in 2021, and won three Premier League titles and the Champions League, now has the chance to revive his career with David Moyes’ side.

Everton looked short of attacking quality as they struggled to create chances against Leeds. But center-back Tarkowski believes Grealish can make a difference as the club look to add further signings before the transfer window closes.

“We all know Jack’s quality. We want to get him on the pitch as much as we can,” said the 32-year-old recently.

“I’m sure we’ll see him a lot more. I’ve played against him many a time so I know he’s quality. He’ll take the ball anywhere, carry it, dribble, create and pass and physically he’s one of the strongest I’ve played against, he’s incredibly strong.

“We’ll give him the ball as much as we can and trust him to go create and use his magic. We’ve seen it at Villa, we’ve seen it at City and hopefully we’ll see it here.

“For sure (he is a matchwinner). Hopefully he hits his best form at our place and he’ll be a great asset for us.”