Ivan Toney gives Al-Ahli opening-day win against newly promoted Neom

Ivan Toney gives Al-Ahli opening-day win against newly promoted Neom
Ivan Toney. (X:@ALAHLI_FCEN)
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Updated 29 August 2025

Ivan Toney gives Al-Ahli opening-day win against newly promoted Neom

Ivan Toney gives Al-Ahli opening-day win against newly promoted Neom
  • England striker’s first-half goal is enough to give the reigning Asian champions all 3 points in a hard-fought victory
  • In the day’s other games, Ettifaq defeat Al-Kholood 2-1, while Damac grab a goal deep into injury time to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw with Al-Hazm

Ivan Toney was the hero as Al-Ahli kicked off the new Saudi Pro League season on Thursday with a hard-fought 1-0 home win over newly promoted Neom. The England striker’s first-half goal was enough to give the reigning Asian champions all three points.

It was a tough introduction to the top flight for Neom, as the hosts enjoyed the better of the first half. More 50,000 fans seemed to shout as one for a penalty in the ninth minute when Ali Majrashi went down in the area under a challenge from Mohammed Al-Dossari, but the referee was having none of it and waved play on.

The home fans did not have to wait too much longer for the opener, however, as Toney delivered a fine goal midway through the first half. Enzo Millot, making his league debut after a move from Stuttgart, slid through a majestic pass from deep that split the visiting defense and gave the former Brentford forward the chance to fire a low shot home from just inside the area.

Eight minutes before the break, there was more good work from the French midfielder when he found Riyad Mahrez in the area, but the Algerian sent his shot wide. Soon after, Toney had a goal-bound shot blocked by Ahmed Hegazi.

Neom looked livelier after the restart and Alexandre Lacazette was able to break into the area, only for his low shot to be saved by Edouard Mendy. The former Chelsea goalkeeper was in action again soon after, getting down well to save a dangerous effort on the turn by Abdulmalik Al-Oyayari.

The visitors continued to pile on the pressure in hopes of a share of the points. Lacazette did have the ball in the net in the 90th minute, but it was ruled out for offside and Al-Ahli hung on for the win.

There were two other games on opening day. Ettifaq defeated Al-Kholood 2-1, with Mohau Nkota and Gini Wijnaldum the scorers for the victors, while John Buckley got the visitors’ goal.

Earlier, the first game of the season ended in a 1-1 draw between Damac and Al-Hazm. Fabio Martins fired home from the spot to give the visitors the lead shortly before the hour mark, but they were denied the three points when Moroccan Jamal Harkass grabbed the equalizer with 98 minutes on the clock.


Formula E’s GEN4 sets new standards for power, sustainability in motorsport

Formula E’s GEN4 sets new standards for power, sustainability in motorsport
Updated 41 min 6 sec ago

Formula E’s GEN4 sets new standards for power, sustainability in motorsport

Formula E’s GEN4 sets new standards for power, sustainability in motorsport
  • GEN4 delivers a major leap forward in power and technology, with 600kW of output and active all-wheel drive, making it the fastest and most challenging Formula E car to date
  • GEN4 features two aerodynamic configurations — high and low downforce — while 700kW regenerative braking enables the car to recover up to 40% of its race energy

RIYADH: Formula E and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have unveiled the all-new GEN4 race car — the most advanced, powerful, and sustainable machine in Formula E history — setting a new benchmark for electric racing innovation and performance.

Set to debut in the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the GEN4 delivers a major leap forward in power and technology, with 600kW of output (equivalent to over 815 horsepower) and active all-wheel drive, making it the fastest and most challenging Formula E car to date.

“The GEN4 is far more than a race car,” said Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E. “It represents over a decade of progress, innovation, and ambition in electric racing. Co-developed with the FIA, it stands as the most advanced, demanding, and sustainable machine we’ve ever built, redefining what’s possible in performance and environmental responsibility.”

The GEN4 features two aerodynamic configurations — high downforce for qualifying and low downforce for races — while 700kW regenerative braking enables the car to recover up to 40 percent of its race energy. With 450kW peak race power, 600kW ATTACK MODE, and a 55kWh energy capacity, the next-generation car is designed to deliver bold strategies and intense wheel-to-wheel action.

“The GEN4 is designed for the pioneers of tomorrow,” said Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E. “Its power and active all-wheel drive will test our drivers like never before. Together with the FIA, we’ve created the most challenging Formula E car to master — built for wheel-to-wheel battles and pure racing action.”

Leading the charge in sustainability, the GEN4 features 100 percent recyclable materials, with at least 20 percent recycled content used in its construction. Every component — from the battery systems to tires and bodywork — is designed for circularity and reduced environmental impact.

“We are very proud to present the innovative GEN4 Formula E single-seater — a car that once again raises the bar in terms of electric technology in motorsport,” said Marek Nawarecki, FIA Senior Circuit Sport Director. “This new framework will allow manufacturers to showcase road-relevant technologies like never before, marking the dawn of a bright new era for Formula E.”

’s growing role in Formula E

In a round table with media ahead of the announcement, Jeff Dodds praised ’s continued impact on the championship and its growing role in shaping Formula E’s future.

“, the Kingdom of , Aisha, is a key partner for us,” he told Arab News. “We have sponsorship partners and arrangements with the Public Investment Fund of , with SABIC, the chemical company, with Saudia the airline. So we have a kind of deep-rooted relationship with the Kingdom. We’ve been racing there for a very long time.”

He added that Jeddah’s night race remains one of the most spectacular stops on the Formula E calendar.

“Jeddah, for me, is a really interesting location because what you have is a permanent facility with all the lovely things that come with that, but you have a road-style layout, so it allows us to stay true to our DNA,” he said. “It just so happens that we also have the luxury of having a night race as well, which, of course, with the drones and the fireworks and the lights around the car or the neon parts of the car, just creates an incredible spectacle.”

While the race calendar for Gen4 has yet to be announced, Dodds teased a special moment for fans at the upcoming Jeddah event.

“We actually have a little surprise around the race in Jeddah coming up this year, so you’re definitely going to see some interesting things around the race weekend,” he said.

Dodds also underlined that ’s role extends beyond racing.

“The Kingdom is investing very heavily in next generation energy transition and sustainability, and that is an area we do a lot of partnership with,” he said. “So there’s certainly a key sustainability partner for us as we explore next generation technologies in that space.”

The GEN4 will now enter testing with Porsche, Nissan, Stellantis, Jaguar, and Lola Cars, as manufacturers prepare to fine-tune its performance ahead of the 2026/27 season — marking the beginning of Formula E’s most electrifying chapter yet.