Al Ahli strengthened their early challenge at the top of the Roshn Saudi League as Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Abha on Saturday.
The result gave Al Ahli a second consecutive win at the start of the campaign and lifted them to six points after two rounds. They now sit level with Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq, underlining their intention to compete for the title from the outset.
Toney was the outstanding figure at King Abdullah Sports City, scoring twice before half-time and completing his treble late in the match. Francisco Trincao also scored for the home side, while Al Ahli kept another clean sheet.
The hosts needed only five minutes to take control. Eduard Spertsyan delivered an incisive pass into the penalty area, where Toney showed his composure to convert and give Al Ahli an early lead.
Al Ahli continued to dominate possession and territory after the opener. Their movement in the final third repeatedly unsettled an Abha defence that struggled to contain the pressure, while the visitors offered little threat in attack.
The home side were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute, and Toney stepped up to take responsibility. The former England forward sent the ball into the net with confidence to double Al Ahli’s advantage and underline his quality from the spot.
Abha were unable to produce a meaningful response during the remainder of the first half. Al Ahli controlled the tempo, circulated the ball effectively and finished the opening 45 minutes with a two-goal lead.
The pattern continued after the interval, with Al Ahli maintaining their attacking approach. Their pressure was rewarded again in the 51st minute when Trincao struck a powerful effort beyond the goalkeeper to score his first goal for the club.
The Portuguese forward then contributed to the fourth goal. Trincao created the opportunity with an excellent pass into Toney’s path, and the striker made no mistake as he finished to complete his hat-trick.
That goal sealed a convincing victory for Al Ahli and capped an exceptional individual performance from Toney. The win also marked their second successive clean sheet, following their 1-0 victory over Al-Diriyah in the opening round.
Al Ahli’s six-point start places them alongside Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq at the top of the Roshn Saudi League standings. Their display against Abha, particularly the efficiency of Toney and the attacking influence of Trincao and Spertsyan, suggested they will be serious contenders in the early race for first place.
