Ivan Toney dedicated a stunning second-half hat-trick to his son as Al-Ahli secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Al-Hilal at the Kingdom Arena on Friday, severely denting the hosts’ Saudi Pro League title hopes. The defeat leaves Al-Hilal five points behind leaders Al-Ittihad, who have a game in hand. This was Al-Ahli’s first victory over Al-Hilal in eight RSL attempts.
After a goalless first half, the match exploded into life after the break. Toney opened the scoring in the 47th minute, his shot taking a deflection off Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The England international, celebrating his son’s birthday, then doubled Al-Ahli’s lead, finishing clinically after a swift attacking move involving Galeno. This marked Toney’s remarkable run to 12 goals in his past seven RSL matches, and 16 for his debut campaign since joining from Brentford last summer.
Al-Hilal, the reigning RSL champions, responded strongly. Captain Salem Al Dawsari pulled a goal back, and the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute when Ali Majrashi handled the ball. Marcos Leonardo confidently converted the spot-kick, seemingly rescuing a point for Al-Hilal.
However, Toney completed his hat-trick, and secured the win, in the 87th minute. A long ball from Gabri Veiga, his second assist of the night, caught the Al-Hilal defense off guard, and Toney drilled a left-footed shot past Bounou.
“We dug it out and the boys worked very hard,” Toney said post-match. “And especially get a hat-trick; especially because it’s my son’s birthday tomorrow, so a present for him when I get home.” He added “Means a lot. I think we owed them; it’s been a long time since we beat them. We worked hard, it was back-to-back games, we had a game three days ago and were tired. But it shows the spirit we have in the changing room and the players coming on done well also.”
Toney later posted on Instagram: “What a feeling to score a hat-trick and secure the win with a late goal! Ramadan Kareem to everyone.”
The dramatic victory lifts Al-Ahli to fourth in the table, level on 47 points with third-placed Al-Nassr, who also lost on Friday. Al-Ahli had previously defeated Al Qadsiah 4-1 on Tuesday, marking a significant turnaround in form. The result is a major upset and throws the Saudi Pro League title race wide open, handing a significant advantage to Al-Ittihad.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
