Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney was visibly frustrated during his side’s goalless draw against Qatari club Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The England international was caught in a heated exchange with teammate Artem Bondarenko.

The incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, occurred during a throw-in when Toney attempted to restart play quickly and expected Bondarenko to make a forward run into space.

However, the Ukrainian midfielder’s movement failed to meet the striker’s expectations, prompting an angry reaction from Toney, who was seen shouting and gesticulating towards his teammate.

Bondarenko appeared surprised by the outburst as the exchange briefly highlighted the growing frustration within the Al-Ahli camp during a disappointing evening.

The Saudi Arabian side struggled to convert their attacking pressure into goals, eventually settling for a 0-0 draw despite their efforts to secure maximum points.

Toney’s frustration reflects Al-Ahli’s attacking struggles

The confrontation has attracted attention amid growing concerns about Al-Ahli’s recent performances and their inability to consistently deliver convincing results.

Toney has been one of the club’s most influential players this season, making his frustration particularly noticeable as the team continues to search for greater attacking consistency.

The English forward has enjoyed an impressive campaign in front of goal, reportedly recording 14 goals and two assists in 14 appearances across competitions before the latest developments.

His contribution has become increasingly important following the departure of several prominent players, including Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, who previously played a significant role in the club’s attacking setup.

Bondarenko, meanwhile, has faced criticism from sections of the club’s supporters over his performances, with questions raised about his ability to deliver the expected impact since joining the team.

Nevertheless, the incident with Toney appeared to centre on a specific tactical disagreement during the match, and there is no confirmation that the striker’s reaction was connected to wider concerns about Bondarenko’s performances.

Al-Ahli face mounting pressure

The draw against Al-Sadd came at a challenging period for Al-Ahli, who have been under pressure to rediscover their best form following a series of inconsistent performances.

The club’s recent struggles have also intensified scrutiny of its tactical approach and the players’ ability to maintain the high standards expected of the reigning continental champions.

Toney had earlier stressed the importance of approaching the Al-Sadd encounter with a winning mentality, describing the fixture as an opportunity for the team to put previous disappointments behind them.

The striker had also acknowledged that Al-Ahli’s heavy defeat to Al-Shabab was not reflective of the team’s true quality, insisting that the squad needed to respond positively.

Despite the goalless draw, Al-Ahli will now look to regroup and improve their attacking efficiency as they continue their campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite and the Saudi Pro League.

The incident involving Toney and Bondarenko has, however, added another talking point surrounding the club, with supporters hoping the visible frustration on the pitch will translate into improved performances in upcoming matches.