Ivan Toney aiming to build momentum after Asian Champions League brace
Ivan Toney has expressed his determination to build upon his impressive two-goal performance for Al Ahli in the Asian Champions League Elite on Monday, as the former Brentford striker aims to navigate an uneven start to his tenure with the Saudi Pro League club.
Toney made a significant impact after coming off the bench, scoring twice within a span of four minutes to help secure a 2-1 victory over Al-Ain, thereby ensuring Al Ahli's advancement to the knockout stages of the continental tournament.
These goals marked Toney's first in five appearances in the competition, following a period in which he was omitted from coach Matthias Jaissle's starting lineup for the last two league matches.
"I am committed to giving my utmost in every match," stated Toney, who transferred to Al Ahli in August for a reported fee of 40 million pounds ($50 million) and has netted six goals in 14 matches across all competitions since his arrival.
"My start has not been ideal, but I acknowledge that and recognize the pressure I face. I have experienced similar situations before and have successfully overcome them, and I am confident I will do so again."
Prior to Monday's encounter, Al Ahli had achieved victory in all four of their preceding matches in the league phase of the Asian Champions League Elite, yet the Jeddah-based team struggled to penetrate the home defense.
Toney opened the scoring in the 70th minute, just five minutes after replacing Saudi international forward Feras Al-Brikan, by heading in a lofted free kick from Riyad Mahrez.
The duo connected once more four minutes later, with Toney finishing at the far post from a pass delivered by Mahrez from the right.
"He simply instructed me to make an impact," Toney recounted regarding Jaissle's guidance before his substitution.
"Missing a few games has been challenging, but I used that as motivation. When I step onto the pitch, I aim to make a statement, and I hope I accomplished that today."
SportsLigue