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Al-Shabab 2-5 Al-Ahli: Toney and Mahrez on target in rout

  /  autty

Al-Ahli made it 11 games unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League as they kept the pressure on leaders Al-Hilal by beating Al-Shabab 5-2.

Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney were both on target at SHG Arena on Friday, as Al-Ahli continued their superb league form, having lost just one game all season.

Rayan Hamed got them off to a flying start inside six minutes, before Franck Kessie's deft chip made it 2-0.

Having assisted Kessie, Mahrez then put Al-Ahli in cruise control with a close-range finish.

Former Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco dragged the hosts back into it in the 33rd minute, but from the restart, Enzo Millot netted at the other end to restore Al-Ahli's three-goal cushion.

Carrasco's penalty reduced the deficit before half-time, but Toney, who had supplied the assist for Millot, then converted a spot-kick of his own late on.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Data Debrief: Toney makes history

Toney is the Pro League’s leading scorer this season with 20 goals and has become only the second Al‑Ahli player to score 20+ goals across his first two seasons in the competition, after Omar Al‑Somah, who achieved the feat in each of his first three campaigns.

The ex-Brentford forward led the game for shots (five), albeit only one of those – his goal – was on target. He also had nine touches in the opposition box, another game-high.

In fact, Toney has now made Pro League history, with all 20 of his goals having come from inside the area. That is a record for any player after 21 rounds of a Pro League season.

Carrasco, at least, continued his fine form against Al-Ahli. He been involved in six Pro League goals against them (three goals, three assists), more than against any other opponent.