Quick Read
- Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick for Al Ahli against Al Khaleej.
- Al Ahli secured a 4-1 victory, their sixth consecutive league win.
- The win propelled Al Ahli to second place in the Roshn Saudi League standings.
- Al Ahli is now four points behind league leaders Al Hilal.
- Toney has scored 11 goals in his last nine matches across all competitions.
JEDDAH (Azat TV) – Ivan Toney showcased his exceptional scoring prowess with a decisive hat-trick against Al Khaleej on Tuesday night, leading Al Ahli to a commanding 4-1 victory. This stellar performance has propelled Al Ahli into second place in the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League standings, significantly bolstering their challenge for the coveted league title.
Toney’s Second-Half Masterclass Secures Victory
The match, held at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City as part of the league’s 17th round, saw Al Ahli initially fall behind. Al Khaleej’s Giorgos Masouras opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Paulo Fernandes. However, the second half belonged entirely to Ivan Toney, who orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for his side.
Toney’s hat-trick unfolded in a spectacular 18-minute spell. He equalized for Al Ahli at the one-hour mark (59th minute), expertly converting a precise cross from Ali Majrashi. Just nine minutes later, in the 68th minute, Toney struck again, seizing on a rebound from the Al Khaleej goalkeeper following a shot by Galeno. He completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute, heading home a delivery from Riyad Mahrez, putting Al Ahli firmly in control.
Rayan Hamed sealed the comprehensive victory for Al Ahli in the 87th minute, adding a fourth goal also benefiting from a rebound, just moments before the final whistle.
Manager Praises Striker’s Resurgence
Al Ahli’s manager, Matthias Jaissle, was quick to praise Toney’s pivotal role and his recent resurgence in form. Speaking after the match, Jaissle stated, “It’s incredible the run he has now. Up front, you always feel that something special can happen.” He acknowledged that Toney had previously faced criticism but highlighted the striker’s excellent response through hard work and regained confidence. Jaissle expressed pride in Toney’s determination to overcome challenges, underscoring his importance to the team’s ambitions.
Toney’s recent goal-scoring streak is indeed remarkable, with 11 goals in his last nine matches across all competitions. Within the Roshn Saudi League, he has directly contributed to nine of Al Ahli’s last 13 goals, proving indispensable to their offensive output this season.
Al Ahli Firmly in Title Contention
This victory marks Al Ahli’s sixth consecutive win in the Roshn Saudi League, a testament to their consistent performance and growing momentum. The win has propelled them to second place, three points clear of both Al Nassr and Al Taawoun, and now only four points behind the league leaders, Al Hilal. This tight margin sets the stage for a compelling title race in the latter half of the season.
In contrast, Al Khaleej remains in eighth position with 24 points, struggling to keep pace with the league’s top contenders. Al Ahli’s strong lineup, featuring notable players such as Abdulrahman Al-Sanabi, Roger Ibanez, Merih Demiral, and Franck Kessié alongside their star striker, demonstrates their depth and commitment to challenging for the championship.
Ivan Toney’s sustained goal-scoring form and Al Ahli’s six-game winning streak underscore a significant shift in the Roshn Saudi League, positioning them as serious contenders to disrupt Al Hilal’s dominance and elevate the competitive intensity of the title race.