Sadio Mané rounds off Al Nassr’s five-goal rout in AFC Champions League opener

Al Nassr made a commanding start to their AFC Champions League campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Istiqlol Dushanbe, capped by a stoppage-time strike from Senegalese forward Sadio Mané.

The Saudi Pro League side were relentless from the outset, overwhelming their Tajik opponents with pace, precision, and clinical finishing.

Four different players found the net before Mané sealed the night’s scoring deep into injury time.

The Senegal international, fresh from being named Man of the Match in Al Nassr’s domestic league outing at the weekend, once again underlined his influence.

Introduced into the attack with characteristic energy, he timed his run to perfection in the 93rd minute, slotting home the fifth and final goal to the delight of the home crowd.

It was another demonstration of Mané’s growing impact at Al Nassr since his move from Bayern Munich.

The former Liverpool star has consistently shown his ability to deliver in key moments, both as a provider and a finisher.

His goal ensured that the evening ended with his name once again on the scoresheet, adding to his strong run of form.

Al Nassr’s performance as a whole left little doubt about their ambitions in this season’s competition.

The side controlled possession, moved the ball swiftly, and repeatedly exposed Istiqlol’s defensive frailties.

With the back line rarely troubled, the Saudi club were free to express themselves going forward, creating chances almost at will.

For Mané, the strike was more than just a flourish at the end of a dominant team performance.

It reinforced his role as one of Al Nassr’s leaders on the pitch, capable of lifting his teammates and finishing with composure when opportunities arise.

The victory also sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament’s contenders: Al Nassr are not merely participating, but setting out their stall as one of the favourites. Their attacking display, capped by a Champions League goal for Mané, was a statement of intent.

As the group stage unfolds, Al Nassr will look to build on this momentum, with Mané certain to remain central to their aspirations.

For the Senegalese forward, the night was another reminder that his influence stretches far beyond his reputation—he continues to deliver in decisive fashion.

Sadio Mane with an 𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙙 moment in front of goal 🥶#ACLTwo | #NSRvIST pic.twitter.com/Gr9W6p0buc

— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) September 17, 2025