Ivan Toney made headlines on Friday night by scoring a hat-trick for Al Ahli during their thrilling 3-2 victory against Al Hilal at the Kingdom Arena, marking his debut performance in the Saudi Pro League with remarkable flair. This impressive win not only showcases Toney's scoring prowess but also highlights his potential impact on the team following his transfer.
The match was filled with excitement and drama, as Toney took center stage with his three goals, propelling Al Ahli to victory and securing three valuable points in the league. According to Talksport, Toney brought up two personal milestones, with this hat-trick being the first since he moved to the club last summer.
Supported by his teammates, Toney's lethal finishing shone brightest after the halftime break. Just six minutes after the second half commenced, he netted two quick goals to put Al Ahli firmly in the lead at 2-0. Despite Al Hilal clawing back with goals, including one from the penalty spot by Marcos Leonardo late on, Toney secured victory with his third goal just four minutes thereafter, ensuring Al Ahli would claim the victory.
Over the course of the season, Toney has now scored 19 goals and provided five assists across all competitions, demonstrating his evolution as one of the league's most formidable forwards. His current scoring streak has seen him net twelve goals over his last seven league appearances, indicating he's at the peak of his career now. This run began with his contributions to the match against Al Riyadh earlier this January.
The significance of Toney's performance goes beyond personal milestones; it has sparked hope among Al Ahli supporters and instilled confidence throughout the team under head coach Matthias Jaissle. Following the clash against Al Hilal, Al Ahli has moved up to fourth place in the league, currently tied on points with third-placed Al Nassr. Though trailing league leaders Al Ittihad by nine points, Al Ahli is determined to maintain the momentum gained from this victory.
Looking toward the future, Al Ahli will face another significant challenge as they prepare for their AFC Champions League match against Al Rayyan from Qatar, scheduled for Tuesday night. Toney’s recent form will be pivotal as the team looks to advance past the last 16 of the tournament. Following the international break, they will continue their league campaign hosting Al Khaleej on March 7, eager to capitalize on the momentum generated from their latest success.
Toney’s hat-trick, praised widely across media reports, showcases not just individual talent but also outlines his potential to be the key figure for Al Ahli as they continue to chase glory both domestically and internationally. With player performances like this, the team could be set for a thrilling end to the season.