Ronaldo less Al Nassr Suffer Opening Day Loss to Gerrard’s Ettifaq Despite Mane’s Debut Goal

• Al-Nassr had an unexpected start to the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League
• The Knights of Najd, who won the Arab Cup over the weekend, suffered a 2-1 loss to Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq
• Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, Seko Fofana, and Marcelo Brozovic all missed the game for Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr encountered an initial setback in the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League, experiencing defeat on the opening day against Al-Ettifaq at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium on Monday evening.

Under the guidance of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, Ettifaq orchestrated a second-half comeback, overturning a deficit to secure victory over Al-Nassr with a 2-1 scoreline.

Breaking the deadlock for the Knights of Najd was none other than stand-in captain Sadio Mane, who was stepping in for the absent talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mane's goal, his first for the Riyadh-based giants since his significant move from Bayern Munich, came just four minutes into the match, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Al Hassan, GOAL reports.

Ronaldo ends goal-scoring drought in style, scores powerful header in Al-Nassr win

Football

Carrying their slender lead into halftime, Mane and his teammates had reason to feel positive.

However, the dynamics of the game shifted dramatically in the second half as the home team swiftly netted two goals within a span of six minutes.

Robin Quaison, a Sweden international with Ghanaian roots, levelled the score just two minutes into the second half.

Subsequently, former Olympique Lyon goal-scoring talent, Moussa Dembele propelled Ettifaq into the lead in the 53rd minute, per the Mirror.

Despite Mane's efforts to salvage a point for Al-Nassr, his second goal was disallowed, extinguishing the hopes of Luis Castro's men.

They now seek redemption on Friday when they host Al-Taawon, aiming to bounce back from this early setback.

Mane scores debut Al-Nassr goal

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported on Sadio Mane bringing an end to his goal-scoring drought with Al-Nassr by finding the back of the net against Al-Ettifaq.

Sadio Mane makes Al Nassr debut against Egyptian giants Zamalek

Football

After a less-than-satisfactory season with Bayern Munich, Mane's transition to Saudi Arabia proved fruitful as he swiftly made his mark. In his very first league appearance for the Knights of Najd, he needed only four minutes to open his goal account.

Before this league debut success, Mane had showcased his prowess in the Arab Club Champions Cup, playing a vital role in Al-Nassr's triumph. This recent goal serves as another testament to his capabilities on the field.