'Had to keep Jeddah green' - Toney hails fans in Al Ahli's Sea Derby success | OneFootball

Ivan Toney knew it wasn’t going to be easy but, thankfully, he had the majority of the 50,000+ in attendance at his back.

The Al Ahli support, known throughout the continent as some of its most vociferous, turned out en masse for Friday’s cross-city clash with arch-rivals Al Ittihad, transforming Alinma Stadium into sea of green.

In these parts, “sea” is important. Played on Saudi Arabia's west coast, it lends its name to one of the marquee matches on the Roshn Saudi League calendar.

In the end, the latest instalment of Sea Derby fell Al Ahli’s way. It began with the home fans raising a stunning tifo emblazoned with “Dominance”; it concluded with Al Ahli 3-1 winners - Toney got the opener - and the 2015-16 champions taking back top spot in the table.

One of their heroes on the night, the 2025-26 RSL top scorer acknowledged it was very much a collective effort. And that endeavour extended far beyond the field of play.

“We knew it's going to be tough; it's derby day and we have to make sure we keep Jeddah green,” Toney declared afterwards. “You heard it here today; [the fans were] the 12th player on the pitch.

“They got us through this game and, if they stick with us throughout the season like this, then we can do something special.”

Something special is right. Two-thirds of the way through Matchweek 25, Al Ahli perch at the league summit, one point ahead both second-placed Al Nassr and Al Hilal, in third.

The latter kept on Al Ahli’s coattails with a Karim Benzema-inspired victory at home to Al Najmah, also on Friday. Al Nassr, meanwhile, can reclaim that No.1 position 24 hours on, should they see off Neom Sports Club at Al Awwal Park.

For Toney, though, Al Ahli had done their job. Of course, that would go down well with everyone connected, be it within the club or among their fanbase.

Or, for that matter, anyone inside the Toney household.

“My son, before that game, I always speak with him,” Toney smiled when referencing his reaction to his goal, when he raced to the corner flag and performed a little jig. “He says what celebrations to do.

“These are silly dances at home. This is me and my son messing around.”

Toney hasn’t been messing this season. Holding FIFA World Cup ambitions this summer, the England international extended his lead in the race for the RSL golden boot, his straightforward finish against Al Ittihad lifting him to 24 goals for the campaign.

Indeed, when married to his five assists, Toney has overtaken Al Ahli legend Omar Al Somah at the club for goal contributions in a single season. Al Somah, the RSL’s all-time top scorer, registered 28 - 27 goals, one assist - the last time Al Ahli hoisted aloft the top-flight trophy.

A decade on, Toney is determined to conclude the season with that same title in hand.