Ivan Toney Bounces Back from Midweek Drama with Third Consecutive Double to Lead Al Ahli Past Al Hazem

Ivan Toney put his midweek bust-up with teammates behind him as the England striker's double helped Al Ahli return to winning ways in a 3-1 victory over Al Hazem in Jeddah.

The reigning Asian champions previously suffered a 3-2 defeat against Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday, a match that saw Toney clash with teammates Mohammed Abdulrahman and Merih Demiral while also expressing frustration toward the referee. Al Ahli manager Marino Pusic later dismissed the incidents as natural occurrences between players that could help lift team spirits following their third defeat in six Saudi Pro League games.

Those tensions appeared resolved on Friday at Al Faisal Stadium, despite Al Ahli falling behind just two minutes into the match when Ahmed Al Nakhli scored a surprise early opener for the visitors.

Al Ahli quickly overturned the deficit by scoring three unanswered goals before halftime. The equalizer arrived in the 21st minute after defensive errors allowed Abdullah Al Shanqiti to gift possession to Eduard Spertsyan. The Armenian midfielder immediately found Toney, who set up Francisco Trincao for a composed finish and his second goal of the campaign.

More defensive struggles for the opposition led to Al Ahli taking the lead in the 32nd minute. A poor clearance deflected into the path of Toney, who was clumsily brought down in the box by goalkeeper Ibrahim Zaid. Toney converted the resulting penalty for his ninth goal of the season.

The third goal came just before the break when Spertsyan passed to Saleh Abu Al Shamat, whose shot was saved, leaving Toney with a simple tap-in. This marked the third consecutive double for the Saudi Pro League's leading scorer, bringing his total to 10 goals from seven games.

Toney missed out on a second-half hat-trick when his second penalty kick hit the post, and later had two close-range efforts blocked by Al Hazem defenders. Nevertheless, Pusic's side secured the three points, lifting them to fifth in the standings—five points behind leaders Al Ittihad—ahead of their AFC Champions League opener against Uzbekistan side Pakhtakor FC in Jeddah on Monday.

Meanwhile, Al Ittihad claimed the top spot with a 3-1 victory over Al Faisaly, driven by goals from Steven Bergwijn and a brace from Youssef En Nesyri, with Theo Bongonda scoring a late consolation. Al Ittihad will face Al Shamal in Qatar on Monday for their Champions League group-stage opener.

Elsewhere, Al Qadsiah missed a chance to take the lead after a 3-3 draw with Al Ettifaq. Julian Quinones and Mateo Retegui gave the home side an early advantage, but goals from Bersant Celina, Alvaro Medran, Mohammed Hamad Al Qahtani, and a late equalizer from Jordan Larsson secured a point for the visitors. Al Qadsiah manager Brandan Rodgers expressed frustration with his team's defending ahead of their upcoming Champions League appearance against Al Wasl.