Tony's message: Al Ahli win 3-2 as focus stays on the pitch, not the injuries
3 January 2026
Toney: Focus on the pitch, not the absences, or we lose
English striker Ivan Toney of Al Ahli stressed the need to ignore the injuries and suspensions the team is facing to keep winning after clinching the clasico against Al Nassr.
He scored two goals and set up another, guiding Al Ahli to a 3-2 victory over Al Nassr on Friday at the Al Enmaa Stadium, in the 13th round of the Roshen Pro League.
In comments to the show Dourina Ghair after the match, the forward said that it does not matter who is missing; the team is determined to win matches.
He added that while there are absences due to AFCON participation and a suspension, this is normal in football.
He concluded that if we focus on who is not playing, we will lose; performance and results come from hard work.
Al Ahli played without four regular stars, including Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Ivorian Franck Kessié, Senegalese Édouard Mendy, and Brazilian Roger Ibanez, all out due to AFCON or suspension.
Punchlines: If focus were a stat, we would need a bigger scoreboard. And remember, the bench is not a cinema; the drama sometimes moves to the starting XI.
