Ivan Toney scores brace in Al-Ahli’s win over Al-Hazm
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahli defeated Al-Hazm 3-1 in a Saudi Pro League match. English forward Ivan Toney scored twice, recording his third consecutive brace in the league. In seven matches this season, he has 10 goals and is the league’s top scorer, The National reports.
Comeback win in Jeddah
Al-Hazm took the lead in the second minute thanks to a goal by Ahmed Al-Nakhli. The hosts equalized in the 21st minute: after a mistake by defender Abdullah Al-Shankiti, Eduard Spertsyan found Toney, who then passed to Francisco Trincão. The Portuguese winger scored his second goal of the season.
In the 32nd minute, Toney converted a penalty awarded after goalkeeper Ibrahim Zaid brought him down in the penalty area. Before halftime, the Englishman scored again: goalkeeper saved Saleh Abu Al-Shamat’s shot, after which Toney sent the ball into the net from close range.
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In the second half, the forward could have completed a hat-trick, but another one of his penalty attempts hit the post. Two other close-range attempts by Toney were blocked by Al-Hazm defenders.
Teams’ positions in the championship
Before this game, Toney had a conflict with teammates Mohammed Abdulrahman and Merih Demiral during Al-Ahli’s 2-3 defeat to Al-Qadsiah. The team’s coach, Marino Pušić, called such episodes natural for players. After the win, Al-Ahli are in fifth place, five points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.
Al-Ittihad moved to the top of the table after a 3-1 win over Al-Faisaly. Steven Bergwijn scored one goal, while Youssef En-Nesyri netted a brace. Al-Qadsiah drew 3-3 with Al-Ettifaq and remained second, one point behind the leaders.
