Sundowns face Toney test as Al Ahli striker targets Intercontinental Cup impact

Mamelodi Sundowns will need to contain the prolific Ivan Toney when they face Al Ahli in their Fifa Intercontinental Cup clash at Loftus on Saturday.

The experienced striker, who represented England at the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada, is generally deployed as a lone forward by Al Ahli coach Marino Pusic.

Toney has made an impressive start to the Saudi Pro League season, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in seven appearances. That form has come despite Al Ahli producing inconsistent results in the league.

“I have been more ruthless in front of goals; before, I was not as ruthless as I am now. I started the season well, and hopefully I can continue scoring goals and contributing to the team,” Toney said at Loftus on Friday before Al Ahli completed their preparations.

Although Toney leads the attack, he is supported by Galeno, Saleh Abu Al Shama, Matheus Goncalves, Francisco Trincao and Eduard Spertsyan.

The forward said he was aware of Sundowns’ reputation and hoped Al Ahli could find a way through a defence featuring Grant Kekana, Khulumane Ndamane and Malibongwe Khoza.

“I have heard a lot about this team and that they score a lot of goals. When I walk around, people have said they have won the majority of their games recently.

“That excites me a lot because you want to play against a team like that; hopefully we will be able to damage their defence and score goals against them.”

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso also has Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena and Aubrey Modiba available in defence, with the trio bringing Champions League experience to the squad.

Toney hoping for England return

England head coach Thomas Tuchel left Toney out of the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Toney said his omission was linked to personal reasons but made clear that he wanted to return to the international set-up.

“This time around was due to personal reasons. Obviously I want to be around the mix because it’s my job to be performing on the pitch and let the rest take care of itself,” he said.

“Hopefully in the next camp coming, I will be back in the mix.”

Toney joined Al Ahli from Brentford in 2024, a move which attracted criticism, but he said he had no regrets about choosing to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

“It has been good in Saudi Arabia. We know in life people will always have their opinions, but they don’t matter to me. I do what I want to do when I see opportunities; if I want to go to Saudi Arabia, I will do that.

“The league is getting better and better, and I feel it will be one of the best soon. The standard is top level with quality players. There are also unknown players, but they are capable of playing at the top level. I am happy playing there.”