Sadio Mane Scores First Goal for Al Nassr on Saudi Pro League Debut Against Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq

Sadio Mane Scores First Goal for Al Nassr on Saudi Pro League Debut Against Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at August 15, 2023 at 9:41 AM
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  • Sadio Mane opened his goal-scoring account for Al-Nassr against defending champions Al-Ettifaq
  • His goal came against Steven Gerrard's side, which includes ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson
  • Mane was named captain for the Saudi Pro League side in the absence of skipper Cristiano Ronaldo

Sadio Mane has broken his goal-scoring duck for Al-Nassr after he notched a goal against Al-Ettifaq on his Saudi Pro League debut.

The Senegalese star, who moved to Saudi Arabia after a disappointing season with Bayern Munich, needed just four minutes to find the back of the net in his first league match for the Knights of Najd.

Sadio Mane, Al Etiffaq, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, goal, debut, Saudi Pro League
Sadio Mane scored his debut Al-Nassr goal against Al-Etiffaq on his Saudi Pro League debut. Photo credit: @AlNassrFC_EN
Source: Twitter

In an exquisite sequence of play, the 31-year-old was expertly set up by Ali Al-Hassan from the right flank.

With a display of precision and finesse that missing during his time in Germany, Mane elegantly directed the ball into the net to secure the match's opening goal.

The circumstances surrounding the tie between Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq amplified the beauty of his debut goal, as he scored against his former Liverpool teammate, Jordan Henderson.

Coincidentally, the former Reds captain was also making his debut in the Saudi Pro League for a team managed by Steven Gerrard - another legendary figure of the Anfield side.

Mane's achievement followed a remarkable performance in the Arab Club Champions Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Al-Nassr's victory.

His side fought back from a goal down against Saudi Arabian rivals, Al-Hilal, to secure their first-ever title in the regional tournament.

Mane wins first Al-Nassr trophy

Sports Brief also reported that Mane won his first Al-Nassr trophy on August 12, just weeks after joining the team from Bayern Munich.

The former Liverpool forward contributed to a comeback victory over Al-Hilal, despite his team playing most of the game with 10 men.

Mane aims jab at Salah

Sports Brief also reported on Al-Nassr's Mane showing his cheeky side with a not-so-subtle dig at his former Liverpool teammate, Mohamed Salah.

Responding to a query from a fan during Al-Nassr's title celebrations, he made sure to point out his role in winning an AFCON title, unlike the Egyptian star.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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