International Friendlies: Sadio Mané reaches landmark 50 international goals with first-half hat-trick over Kenya

Sadio Mané has become the first player in Senegal’s history to reach 50 international goals after striking a dominant first-half hat-trick in a friendly victory over Kenya on Tuesday.

The Al-Nassr forward delivered all three goals before the break in Antalya, turning a routine outing into a memorable personal milestone.

Mané found the net in the 18th and 32nd minutes before completing his treble from the penalty spot just four minutes later, underlining his status as the Lions’ most decisive attacking force.

His hat-trick, the second of his international career, comes only days after a muted performance against Brazil, prompting suggestions that the forward was eager to issue a swift response.

Against the Harambee Stars, he did so with conviction—driving Senegal’s attack and restoring the sharpness that has long defined his role in the national side.

The achievement holds considerable symbolism for the striker, who has led Senegal’s scoring charts for several years but had yet to reach the half-century mark.

Tuesday’s performance finally carried him over that threshold, with the 50th goal arriving calmly from the spot to cap a near-flawless opening half.

For Mané, the moment represents both history and reassurance.

The milestone further cements his legacy as the most prolific forward the Lions have produced, but it also comes at a time when the player has faced scrutiny, making the return to scoring form particularly significant.

His influence on the national team has rarely been in doubt, yet reaching such a benchmark reinforces the scale of his contribution across more than a decade in the green shirt.

Senegal’s dominance over Kenya ensured that attention was focused less on the result and more on Mané’s personal landmark.

While the friendly fixture lacked competitive stakes, his composure, movement, and finishing offered a reminder of why he remains central to the team’s ambitions ahead of upcoming challenges.

The Antalya hat-trick adds another chapter to a career characterised by decisive moments for both club and country.

As Senegal continue their preparations for future competitions, Mané’s return to form—and his rise beyond 50 goals—will be viewed as an encouraging sign for supporters and coaching staff alike.