Riyad Mahrez delivered a masterclass on Friday night, but it still wasn’t enough to earn him the fans’ nomination for man of the match.
The Algerian winger was electric in Al Ahli’s dominant 5-0 win over Al Fahya in the Saudi Pro League, scoring a goal, providing three assists, and earning a penalty that Ivan Toney converted.
Despite the near-flawless display, which earned him a perfect 10.0 rating from SofaScore, Mahrez watched the post-match honors go to teammate Roger Ibanez. The Brazilian defender bagged Al Ahli’s first two goals and won the fan vote with 65% support on the Saudi League Association’s official website. Mahrez, by comparison, received just 29%.
The decision sparked surprise among fans and pundits alike, especially given Mahrez’s all-around influence in the game. Ibanez, who was solid at the back and impactful upfront, earned an 8.8 rating.
While Mahrez may have missed out on the award, his performance reminded everyone of his class and leadership on the field. For Al Ahli, it was a night of goals, glory, and a bit of unexpected voting drama.
