Saudi Pro League: Mahrez sparks comeback victory with two assists to spare Al Ahli’s blushes

Riyad Mahrez helped Al Ahli Saudi avoid an embarrassing result on Thursday, providing both assists in a 2-1 comeback victory over Saudi Pro League bottom side Al Najma.

محرز يصنع 🅰️
أتانقانا يسجل ⚽️

تلك قصة تعادل الأهلي 🟢

#الأهلي_النجمة| #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/dkxRT7Byb2

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) February 19, 2026

All the signs pointed towards a miserable day for the title contenders. Brazilian forward Lazaro gave visitors Najma a shock lead before the half hour mark. English striker Ivan Toney has been scoring goals for fun but his penalty kick was denied later in the first half to preserve Najma’s surprise advantage.

But a refocused Ahli side emerged from the changing room for the second half and it was their Algerian star who led the charge. Mahrez provided a perfect cross for Valentin Atangana to head in the equalizer before three minutes had elapsed in the second half.

And Toney found his shooting boots over the intermission. In the 69th minute, the favorites took their first lead when a ball over the top found Mahrez, who volleyed the ball across the goal to leave the former Brentford star with an easy finish.

من كل الزوايا 🎥
الهدف الثاني لفريق الأهلي في مرمى فريق النجمة عن طريق اللاعب توني ⚽️

#الأهلي_النجمة | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/WZW3uPMUho

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) February 19, 2026

Toney added two more goals late on to complete a second half hat-trick and maintain Ahli’s chase of leaders Al Hilal. They are back level on points with the leaders in an ongoing tug-of-war between the two clubs and Al Nassr. Nassr are one point back with both they and Hilal having a match in hand on Ahli.

Mahrez now has 6 goals and 11 assists in 30 matches from all competitions. Next up for Ahli is a trip to another relegation candidate, Damac Club, on Monday.