Toney Hat-Trick Fires Al-Ahli Jeddah Past Abha
Ivan Toney was the star of the show as he scored a hat-trick to fire Al-Ahli Jeddah to victory over Abha, with the striker earning an outstanding match rating of 9.7.
Toney opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finishing from an assist by Eduard Spertsyan, before doubling his tally from the penalty spot in the 13th minute. He completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, converting a pass from Francisco Trincão to seal a dominant display and leave Abha with no way back.
Al-Ahli were the better side for long periods, backing up the scoreline with an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.83, compared to 1.27 for Abha – a return that failed to yield a single goal for the visitors.
Abha struggled to contain the pressure applied by Al-Ahli throughout the first half, and although they tried to respond after the break, it was the home side who continued to control the tempo of the match.
The win moves Al-Ahli up to seventh in the Saudi Pro League table on three points, with a goal difference of +1. Abha, meanwhile, remain without a point after two rounds and sit 13th in the standings.
Edouard Mendy and the Al-Ahli defence also kept a clean sheet, a promising sign as the side looks to combine attacking firepower with defensive solidity in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.
