Ivan Toney scores twice in eight minutes to put Al Ahli in command against Abha

Ivan Toney made an immediate impact for Al Ahli by scoring twice in eight minutes during their Roshn Saudi League meeting with Abha on Saturday, giving the Saudi club a strong start to the second-round fixture.

The England international opened the scoring after only five minutes, producing the first goal of the match and Al Ahli’s first home goal in the league this season.

Toney was played through by a superb pass from Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He kept his composure to place the ball into the net and put Al Ahli ahead.

The forward then doubled his side’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 13th minute. Al Ahli were awarded a spot-kick and Toney took responsibility, converting successfully to complete an outstanding opening spell in which he scored twice.

The two goals underlined Toney’s continued scoring presence in the Roshn Saudi League since his move to Saudi football. He has now scored in each of his first three seasons in the competition, reinforcing his status as one of its most prolific forwards.

His first goal against Abha was particularly significant for Al Ahli, as it marked the club’s first league goal at home in the current campaign. It also gave the team an early platform as they looked to build momentum in the second round of fixtures.

Toney enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Al Ahli last season, finishing second in the Roshn Saudi League scoring charts with 32 goals. It was the second successive season in which he ended the competition among its leading scorers, demonstrating that his finishing ability was not simply a short-lived burst of form.

The striker’s two-goal start against Abha therefore served as an early warning to his rivals. Toney showed once again that he remains one of the most dangerous attackers in the division, combining sharp movement with clinical finishing inside the opening stages of the match.

Spertsyan also played an important role in Al Ahli’s fast beginning. His pass created the opening for Toney’s first goal and showcased his ability to influence the team’s attacking play.

The goals were highlighted in match footage shared online, with the first clip showing Toney firing Al Ahli in front and the second recording his successful penalty as the home side extended their lead.

Al Ahli’s early advantage provided a decisive-looking start to the contest, while Toney’s performance immediately placed him back in the spotlight at the beginning of another Roshn Saudi League season.