Toney Treble Inspires Al-Ahli Jeddah Comeback in 3-1 Win

Ivan Toney delivered a masterclass as Al-Ahli Jeddah roared back from an early shock to overpower Al-Hazm 3-1 in a Saudi Pro League clash brimming with penalties, VAR drama and a stark second-half collapse from the visitors.

Al-Hazm’s Dream Start Shatters Home Pride

The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium fell silent after just 120 seconds when Ahmed Al-Nakhli latched onto Elton Acolatse’s through ball to slot past Édouard Mendy – the fastest goal Al-Ahli Jeddah had conceded all season. The hosts, unbeaten in their last four Pro League matches, suddenly looked vulnerable.

Toney Turns the Tide for Al-Ahli Jeddah

Francisco Trincão restored parity on 21 minutes, finishing crisply after Toney’s clever flick. Then the Brentford loanee took center stage: converting a 32nd-minute penalty after a handball, then pouncing on a defensive error to smash home his second before halftime. His 45th-minute strike made it seven goals in five games across all competitions.

VAR Drama and Missed Chances Define Second Half

Toney’s hat-trick hopes were dashed when he skied a 49th-minute penalty after Sultan Tanker’s yellow-card foul. VAR then controversially overturned another spot-kick in the 81st minute, but by then Al-Hazm’s resistance had crumbled – managing just three shots on target all game compared to Al-Ahli Jeddah’s 23 attempts.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Al-Ahli Jeddah, this comeback cements their top-four credentials with a third straight Pro League win. But Toney’s wasted penalties (scoring 1/3 on the night) will concern manager Matjaz Kek. Al-Hazm’s early-season promise vanishes with a fourth defeat in seven – their defensive frailties exposed despite Abdullah Al-Shanqiti’s half-time introduction.