Al-Ahly secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Al-Fateh on February 7, 2025, solidifying its position within the competitive ranks of the Saudi Roshan League.
The match, held at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, was significant for both teams. Al-Ahly, currently placed fifth with 35 points, aimed to close the gap at the top of the table, whereas Al-Fateh languished at the bottom with only 10 points, desperately needing points to avoid relegation.
Throughout the match, Al-Ahly showcased its dominance on the field. The team, under the guidance of coach Matthias Jaissle, employed tactics meant to overwhelm their opponents and capitalize on any mistakes. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly Ivan Toney, who scored both goals from the penalty spot, showcasing his skill under pressure.
The first penalty, awarded after a foul inside the box, came early on, placing Al-Ahly on the path to victory. Toney expertly converted, placing his shot beyond the reach of the Al-Fateh goalkeeper. The second penalty, awarded after another foul, saw Toney again demonstrate his prowess, doubling the lead and reinforcing Al-Ahly's control over the match.
After the match, Kora Plus remarked, "Al-Ahly secured another important victory, reinforcing their hopes for the season," encapsulating the game’s importance for the club's aspirations.
On the other hand, Al-Fateh's woes continued as they struggled to find form this season, resulting in only two wins and 12 losses so far. Their management faces tough questions about the future, especially with the relegation battle heating up. Despite recent transfers, including the signing of goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the team has struggled to find consistency.
This match was expected to be challenging for Al-Fateh, who entered with depleted morale but hoped for a turnaround against Al-Ahly. Unfortunately, their defensive errors were punished expertly by Al-Ahly's attack, particularly by Toney, whose performance has been integral to Al-Ahly's success this season.
Post-match, Sports Analyst stated, "Ivan Toney's exceptional performance with two penalties showed his importance to the team," highlighting how key players can turn matches.
The result lifted Al-Ahly to 38 points, maintaining their competitive stance just outside the Champions league positions, whereas Al-Fateh’s future hangs by a thread as they remain firmly at the bottom, now facing increased pressure to perform.
This match continues to underline the growing competitiveness of the Saudi Roshan League, with each point holding significant weight for aspirations of titles or survival. Al-Ahly looks forward to maintaining this momentum, as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, aiming to break back among the top three teams. Meanwhile, Al-Fateh must reassess their strategies and find ways to claw back points to avoid the drop.