Mané provides the match winner in Al Nassr victory

Sadio Mané scored the lone goal for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr on Monday as they overcame Al Riyadh, marking the Senegalese superstar’s first goal for his club since returning from a victorious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.

Sadio Mané 🇸🇳 opens the scoring for Al Nassr close to halftime at Al Riyadh. 1-0 in favor of Nassr.

It is his first goal since returning from winning the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 with Senegal. He now has 7 goals and 6 assists in 20 appearances this season. https://t.co/0WLoHP9069

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) February 2, 2026

The veteran forward timed his run perfectly before volleying in the 40th minute winner from a clever assist by João Félix. Mané now has 7 goals and 6 assists from 20 matches in all competitions for the big spending Saudi club.

With star Cristiano Ronaldo not available, the attacking load was put on the shoulders of the Senegalese forward as well as João Félix. It was not a complete performance from the title contenders but their two foreign imports combined to do enough and secure the full three points.

A strong defensive effort kept overmatched Al Riyadh from posing a substantial threat, setting the stage for the winner close to halftime. The hosts were unable to put a shot on target even after going behind.

Al Nassr move level with league leaders Al Hilal at the top of the table, on 46 points each. Hilal, who have been held to draws in their last two league matches, will attempt to reclaim their three-point lead by the end of Monday evening with a victory but face a difficult opponent in the form of Al Ahli.

Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié and another AFCON champion, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, are all in the starting XI for Ahli who can also reach 46 points to make it a three-way tie at the top if they emerge victorious.