Al-Kholood stun Al Ahli to hand them first Saudi Pro League defeat

Al-Kholood claimed their second victory of the Saudi Pro League season with a 3-1 win over Al Ahli at Al Hazem Stadium, giving their opponents a first defeat of the campaign.

Iker Kortajarena, Julian Dominguez and Mohammed Soan scored for Al-Kholood, while England striker Ivan Toney was on target for Al Ahli.

The result moves Al-Kholood up to eight points from their opening four matches, placing them third in the table. Al Ahli remain on six points and drop to seventh.

Al Ahli had entered the match with two wins from their first three league fixtures, but were unable to recover after conceding first. Al-Kholood, meanwhile, secured their second league victory and strengthened their position in the early standings.

Kortajarena opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. The Al-Kholood forward met a cross from Koba Da Costa and struck a shot that found the back of the Al Ahli net.

Al Ahli had to wait until the second half to find an equaliser, with Toney restoring parity in the 66th minute. The striker created space on the edge of the penalty area before producing a precise finish to make it 1-1.

The goal was Toney’s fourth against Al-Kholood since joining Al Ahli. He has now scored in each of his past four Saudi Pro League appearances against the same opponent, with four goals in total. Al-Kholood are the only side against whom the England international has scored in four consecutive matches in the competition.

Al-Kholood regained the lead five minutes before the end of normal time. A dangerous delivery from Ramzi Solan was completed by Julian Dominguez, who finished from close range to put the hosts back in front.

Mohammed Soan then sealed the result in the second minute of stoppage time. His powerful strike beat the Al Ahli defence and goalkeeper to complete a 3-1 victory.

The defeat brings an end to Al Ahli’s winning run after two victories, while Al-Kholood’s success takes them to eight points and into third place after four rounds.