In a gripping encounter at King Abdullah Sports City, Al-Ahli Jeddah and Al Riyadh battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw on October 30, 2025. The match, which was marked by late drama, featured goals from Ivan Toney and Tozé, along with a crucial red card that stirred emotions in the dying minutes.
Entering this clash, Al-Ahli Jeddah had momentum on their side, claiming 12 points from six matches and occupying a promising fifth place in the Pro League standings. They had just come off a convincing 3-0 victory in the King's Cup against Al Baten, and confidence was high. In contrast, Al Riyadh, sitting in 13th place with only six points, faced an uphill struggle to improve their fortunes after a series of disappointing results.
From the beginning, both teams demonstrated their intent to seize control. Al-Ahli looked to dominate possession and create chances, relying heavily on the prowess of Toney, whose experience and skill made him a constant threat. On the other hand, Al Riyadh aimed to soak up the pressure and strike on the counter, with Mamadou Sylla serving as their primary attacking outlet.
The first half unfolded without goals, though both sides had their chances. It was not until the second half, with the clock ticking towards the end, that the atmosphere electrified. With only minutes remaining, Al-Ahli Jeddah was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. In the 90+1 minute, Toney stepped up and successfully converted the penalty, sending the home crowd into a frenzy as they celebrated what seemed like a last-minute victory.
However, the match had more twists in store. Just as the jubilant fans were settling in to celebrate, an incident unfolded when Ziyad Aljohani from Al-Ahli received a red card for a reckless challenge, reducing his side to ten men. With the extra man advantage, Al Riyadh seized their opportunity. In the dying moments of the match, in the 90+11 minute, Tozé equalized with a goal that broke the hearts of the Al-Ahli supporters and breathed new life into Al Riyadh's season.
As the final whistle blew, both teams left the pitch with mixed feelings. For Al-Ahli Jeddah, the draw stunted their momentum, yet they still remained unbeaten this season with three wins and three draws. Al Riyadh, meanwhile, salvaged a vital point, allowing them to stay in the hunt for better positioning in the league, although they are still grappling with inconsistencies.
Reflecting on the pre-match prediction, I admittedly expected Al-Ahli to solidify their position at the top with a clear win. It turns out that their unbeaten streak had its limits against a determined Al Riyadh, who showed resilience when it mattered most. As a result, Al-Ahli remains in fifth place, while Al Riyadh holds on to thirteenth, a modest boost in their quest for a stronger standing.
Looking ahead, Al-Ahli Jeddah will face Al-Ittihad FC in their next challenge on November 8, where they will aim to regain their winning touch. Meanwhile, Al Riyadh will host Damac on November 6, hoping to build on the momentum of this draw and turn their season around. With the stakes high for both teams, every match will be pivotal in their fight for position in the competitive Pro League.