SOCCER: Toney shines with hat-trick in Al-Ahli victory

Ivan Toney delivered a sensational performance as Al-Ahli secured a 4-1 victory over Al-Khaleej on Tuesday, marking their sixth consecutive win in the Saudi Pro League.

The 29-year-old forward has scored in all six of Al-Ahli’s winning matches, strengthening his case for a return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad with the 2026 World Cup just five months away.

Al-Khaleej took an early lead when Greece winger Georgios Masouras scored in the 19th minute. However, Toney quickly responded and equalized 14 minutes into the second half, slotting the ball into the net from close range.

Toney then put Al-Ahli ahead in the 67th minute, heading in the rebound after a shot from Galeno was parried by the goalkeeper. He completed his hat-trick later in the match after connecting with a headed pass from Riyad Mahrez. The goal was confirmed after a lengthy VAR review.

Rayan Hamed, who came on for injured Turkey defender Merih Demiral, added the fourth goal in the 86th minute to seal the win for Al-Ahli.

Toney now has 14 league goals, just one behind Saudi Pro League top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr.

Al-Ahli currently sits second in the standings with 37 points from 16 games, while leaders Al-Hilal have 41 points from 15 matches. Al-Khaleej is eighth with 24 points.

-Reporting by Mohamed Yossry in Cairo; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters