Sadio Mane: Why Al Nassr Star Refused to Take Penalty Despite Ronaldo's Offer in Al Ittihad Win

• Senegal's Sadio Mane scored as Al-Nassr beat Al-Ittihad
• The Senegal forward refused to take a penalty in the game
• Mane will join his Senegal teammates for the 2023 AFCON

Senegal forward Sadio Mane refused to take a penalty during the game between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday night.

Mane went on to score a brace as the Knight of Najd thumped Al-Ittihad 5-2.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to extend his tally for 2023 to 53 goals, making him the leading scorer this year.

However, before netting his second of the night, the former Manchester United attacker offered Mane the opportunity to strike from the spot, but the ex-Liverpool star declined.

“Cristiano asked me to take the penalty kick, but I refused because the time of the match was crucial, so I gave it to Cristiano," he said in a post-match presser.

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Mane has been in fine form for the Saudi giants, netting his tenth goal for the club in the victory over Al-Ittihald. The Senegalese has also provided six assists this season, per Transfermarkt.

Al-Nassr will lose the player to Senegal for next month's Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, as the champions begin the defence of their title in Group C.

Mane scores brace against Al-Ittihad

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Former Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane scored in Al-Nassr's win over Al-Ittihad at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in the Saudi Pro League.

The Senegalese winger had an excellent performance for Al-Nassr against Karim Benzema-led Al-Ettihad, with the Knight of Najd claiming all three points.

Al-Nassr needed a win against Al-Ettihad to put more pressure on league leaders Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo urges Mane to celebrate with fans

Sports Brief also reported that Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane celebrated Al-Nassr's victory with fans of the club at the end of their game against Al-Ettifaq on Friday.

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The Portuguese forward was on target as the Knight of Najd defeated Steven Gerrard's men 3-1 at the Al Awwal Park.

Before the game, fans of Al-Nassr displayed a tifo in celebration of their Senegalese attacker following his outstanding start to life in Saudi Arabia.