Al Nassr took on Al Hazm, a second-division team, with star player Cristiano Ronaldo rested by new coach Stefano Pioli. In Ronaldo’s absence, it was Sadio Mané who stepped up to lead the attack, ultimately securing a crucial win for the Saudi Pro League giants.
Right from the opening minutes, the Senegalese forward displayed his flair and attacking prowess, finding the back of the net early on with a clever strike.
However, his effort was ruled out after a VAR review deemed it offside, much to the disappointment of the Al Nassr faithful.
Despite the setback, Mané remained relentless, creating opportunities and frequently troubling the opposition defense with his dynamic play.
Throughout the first half, Mané’s energy and creativity were on full display as he orchestrated Al Nassr’s attacks, constantly testing Al Hazm’s defensive line.
His persistence paid off just before the break, when in the 45th minute, a well-placed cross found him in the perfect position.
Timing his run to perfection, Mané rose to meet the ball with a decisive header, sending it past the Al Hazm goalkeeper and giving Al Nassr a vital 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The goal was a moment of brilliance from the Senegalese international, who filled the void left by Ronaldo with ease, delighting the home crowd with his performance.
His impact was not only seen in the goal but also in the way he led the attacking line, using his pace, intelligence, and technical skills to constantly threaten the visitors.
Al Nassr’s control of the game continued into the second half, but it was Mané’s goal that proved decisive in securing the victory.
The win sees Al Nassr progress to the quarterfinals of the King’s Cup, with Sadio Mané emerging as the standout performer of the evening.
In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mané demonstrated why he remains one of the most respected players in world football, leading his team to victory with both his skill and leadership.
As Al Nassr continues their campaign in both domestic and international competitions, Mané’s contributions will be crucial in their quest for silverware.
