Toney: 'We focus on us' as Al Ahli boost title bid with huge Al Nassr win

After playing a principal part in consigning Al Nassr to a first defeat of the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League, Ivan Toney outlined the secret to the success.

“Just hard work,” smiled the Al Ahli striker following his brace in the 3-2 win in Jeddah on Friday. “Everyone worked hard. We deserved it in the end and, yeah, they put pressure on us, but we have quality throughout the team.

“We know we have some big players missing, but it just shows the dedication. When they're missing, the boys come in and do the job.”

“Big players missing” was right. Al Ahli went into the Matchweek 13 clash against the RSL leaders without the spine of their team. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, midfielder Franck Kessie and forward Riyad Mahrez are all on 2025 Africa Cup of Nations duty, while centre-back Roger Ibanez was suspended.

So, in their absence, others had to stand up. Chief among those, Toney.

“Shame, I didn't get the hat-trick,” the Englishman said. “I think I should have got it towards the end, especially, before half-time, but we all did our job.

“And last time I missed out [the Sea Derby victory] against Al Ittihad. It was a big game, which I disappointed in [not playing]. So hopefully I made a mark in the big game so the coach can't leave me out any more.”

The last line was delivered with another smile. Just like 2025, Toney had begun a new year on the right note, his seventh and eighth goals of the season keeping Al Ahli fourth in the standings but lifting the Asian champions to within six points of Al Nassr at the summit.

Not that he’s getting carried away.

“There's a load of good teams in the league,” Toney reminded. “We just have to focus on ourselves and hopefully we can keep picking up points and keep winning games. And who knows what can happen.”