Al Ahli secured a crucial 3-2 triumph over Roshn Saudi League leaders Al Nassr on Friday, handing their rivals a first defeat of the campaign. The victory was achieved despite the Jeddah club missing several vital players. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, midfielder Franck Kessie, and forward Riyad Mahrez are all participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, while defender Roger Ibanez was absent due to suspension.
Al Ahli secured a crucial 3-2 triumph over Roshn Saudi League leaders Al Nassr on Friday, handing their rivals a first defeat of the campaign. The victory was achieved despite the Jeddah club missing several vital players. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, midfielder Franck Kessie, and forward Riyad Mahrez are all participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, while defender Roger Ibanez was absent due to suspension.
In their place, other squad members rose to the occasion. Striker Ivan Toney was particularly influential, scoring two goals in the match. He acknowledged the collective effort required, stating that the performance demonstrated the team's dedication and depth, with players coming in to successfully complete the task.
The English forward played a principal role in the significant result, netting a decisive brace. After the match, Toney expressed a minor regret at not securing a hat-trick, citing a missed chance just before halftime. However, he emphasized his satisfaction at contributing in a major fixture, especially after being disappointed to miss the previous key clash against Al Ittihad.
Toney joked that his performance in such an important game should ensure his selection moving forward. His seventh and eighth goals of the season were instrumental in closing the gap at the top of the table, moving Al Ahli to within six points of Al Nassr and strengthening their own title ambitions.
Despite the magnitude of the win, Toney stressed the importance of maintaining focus. He pointed out the high quality present throughout the Saudi league, noting that many teams are capable contenders. The striker reiterated that Al Ahli's strategy must center on their own performances and continuous improvement.
The forward's outlook is one of cautious optimism. He believes that if his team concentrates on their own tasks, secures victories, and accumulates points consistently, then a favorable outcome in the championship race is possible. The victory provides a significant boost, but the long campaign ahead demands sustained effort.
