Toney Torments Abha as Al-Ahli Jeddah Crush 4-0

Al-Ahli Jeddah delivered a statement 4-0 demolition of Abha in the Pro League’s second round, Ivan Toney’s predatory hattrick announcing their championship intentions from the first whistle.

The Jeddah onslaught began in the fifth minute – Toney bursting onto Eduard Spertsyan’s threaded pass to slot coolly past Donovan Léon. Eight minutes later, the former Brentford striker doubled his tally from the penalty spot, sending Léon the wrong way with a striker’s conviction.

Abha barely had time to breathe. Midfielder Spertsyan picked up a yellow for a frustrated lunge as the visitors’ midfield collapsed under relentless pressure. Their coach Damir Buric made four halftime substitutions, but within six minutes of the restart Francisco Trincão curled home a sublime third off the inside of the post.

Abha’s Humiliation Complete

When Toney completed his hattrick in the 57th minute – controlling Trincão’s cross before smashing home – Abha’s players wore the expression of men wishing the King Abdullah Sports City pitch might swallow them whole. Nabil Fekir’s late yellow card for hacking down a substitute merely underlined their disintegration.

The statistics painted a brutal picture: Al-Ahli’s 7 shots on target to Abha’s 3; 16 total shots with 86% passing accuracy; an xG of 2.77 that reflected their cutting edge. Merih Demiral marshalled a back line that restricted Michy Batshuayi to speculative efforts.

Al-Ahli’s Title Warning

For Marino Pusic’s side, this was a performance dripping with intent. Toney (£35m summer signing) now has four goals in two matches, while Mendy’s three key saves preserved his clean sheet. They sit atop the Pro League with maximum points and a +7 goal difference.

Abha must regroup fast after consecutive defeats. Centre-back Abdou Diallo looked shellshocked throughout, and Buric’s halftime changes failed to stem the bleeding. Travelling fans headed for the exits long before the merciful final whistle.

By full time, the only question was how many Al-Ahli might have scored. For Abha, a season already threatening to spiral after shipping seven goals in two games. For the hosts – a roar of belief that their golden sash might bear a star come May.

Key Moments

5′ ⚽ Al-Ahli Jeddah — I. Toney (assist: E. Spertsyan)

13′ ⚽ Al-Ahli Jeddah — I. Toney

51′ ⚽ Al-Ahli Jeddah — Trincao

57′ ⚽ Al-Ahli Jeddah — I. Toney (assist: Trincao)