Ivan Toney’s legendary reputation as one of the world’s most clinical penalty takers suffered a shock blow as Al-Ahli were dumped out of the Saudi League’s King’s Cup in a stunning upset. The England international, who moved to the Saudi Pro League in a high-profile transfer from Brentford, missed his first shoot-out penalty in 8 years during Al-Ahli’s unexpected defeat.
The miss comes at a critical time for the striker, with this summer’s World Cup a matter of months away. Toney has long been regarded as a “cheat code” from 12 yards, known for his nonchalant, no-look technique that has frozen goalkeepers across the Premier League for years.
Before this week, his record in competitive shoot-outs was virtually flawless, dating back to the very start of his professional career – with his last miss coming in for Peterborough United in 2018, when Ben Wilson saved his effort in an FA Cup second-round replay against Bradford City
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But last night, in a tense knockout clash, Al-Ahli were held by their opponents for 120 minutes – in which Toney did actually score a penalty in the 81st minute. The Al-Ahli forward saw his effort saved.
The defeat adds to a frustrating period for Al-Ahli, who have struggled to find consistency despite a star-studded line-up featuring Toney, Riyad Mahrez, and Roberto Firmino.
Despite sitting third in the Pro League, they lost their last league game against fourth-placed Al Qadsiah 3-2, with the home side making it 2-2 in the second minute of injury time before securing the winner in the eighth minute.
In other King’s Cup action, the drama continued as Al-Kholood produced their own “giant-killing” performance. As reported by the Saudi Gazette, Al-Kholood managed to knock out heavyweights Al-Ittihad in a marathon penalty shoot-out. Goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe was unable to save Al-Ittihad on a night where the underdogs reigned supreme.
Although Toney hasn’t been a regular for England since Thomas Tuchel took over, he told Sky Sports last month that he still hopes to go to the World Cup.
“Never say never,” Toney said. “I have goals I want to achieve here first, the club have signed me for a long period of time.
“I want to repay them and bring trophies. In football and life, you never know what’s around the corner. Who knows what the next step is?
“I’m comfortable here and like being here. I’m doing well, my numbers speak for themselves and I’m settled. I’m enjoying my football and don’t see why I’d leave to go back to where I was.”