What observers say
“It was a very important game after the [FIFA international] break,” said Edouard Mendy, the goalkeeper for Al Ahli, reflecting on the significance of their recent matches. As the Saudi Pro League approaches its climax, every point becomes critical for teams vying for the title.
Ivan Toney has emerged as a key player for Al Ahli this season, scoring an impressive 26 goals and providing 6 assists in just 26 appearances. His contributions have been vital in helping Al Ahli secure a position in the top tier of the league, currently sitting in third place.
In their last match, Al Ahli showcased their strength by defeating Damac FC 3-0, extending their winning streak to five matches against Al Fayha. This consistent performance is crucial as they aim to close the gap on the league leaders.
Al Fayha, on the other hand, has struggled this season, winning only 9 out of 27 matches and currently sitting in ninth place. They have failed to score in their last five encounters against Al Ahli, highlighting the challenges they face when matched against their rivals.
Despite Al Ahli’s recent success, Mendy acknowledged the difficulties the team is facing, stating, “You can see we have a lot of injuries, but we’re still fighting.” This resilience is essential as they push towards the end of the season.
As the teams prepare for their next clash at Al Majma’a Sport City Stadium, the stakes are high. Kick-off is scheduled for 09:25 PM IST, and both teams will be looking to secure crucial points. Al Ahli has recorded 20 wins this season, while Al Fayha is hoping to improve their form after two wins in their last three matches.
“Now it’s the final sprint, so we knew we had to take the points because we dropped some in Al Qadsiah for the first time for a while,” Mendy added, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. With the title race heating up, every match will be pivotal for Al Ahli’s ambitions.
As the season progresses, the performance of players like Ivan Toney will be under close scrutiny, and fans will be eager to see if he can maintain his scoring form to help Al Ahli clinch the title.