Arabian Weekly report
DAMMAM — Al Ahli returned to winning form with a comfortable 3-0 victory over 10-man Al Khaleej, breaking a two-match losing streak that had seen them fall into the bottom half of the Roshn Saudi League table.
The first half was closely contested, but the game shifted dramatically in the second half following a red card for the hosts. Al Ahli’s best opportunity in the opening period came deep in added time when Franck Kessie struck a half-volley, only to see his effort sail just wide.
Al Khaleej was reduced to 10 men eight minutes into the second half when midfielder Khalid Al Sumairi received a straight red card after a VAR check for a reckless challenge from behind on Al Ahli substitute Roberto Firmino.
The visitors quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage. Riyad Mahrez delivered a free-kick into the box, allowing Ivan Toney to head it across goal for Firas Al Buraikan, who powered in a header for his first goal of the Roshn Saudi League season.
Toney then turned from provider to scorer in the 70th minute. After receiving a deflected pass from Kessie, the former Brentford striker fired a half-volley past goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic, marking his third goal of the season and doubling Al Ahli’s lead.
For the third goal, Toney again played a crucial role in the build-up. Gabri Veiga’s delivery into the Al Khaleej penalty area was met by Toney’s header, which was saved brilliantly by Sehic. However, the ball fell to Merih Demiral, and the Turkish center-back squeezed it home from close range, sealing the 3-0 victory for Al Ahli.