Sadio Mané fires in clutch penalty as Al Nassr tops defending Saudi Pro League champions

2025 Africa Cup of Nations champion Sadio Mané helped Al Nassr, sans Cristiano Ronaldo, overcome reigning Saudi Pro League holders Al Ittihad for a crucial 2-0 victory on Friday.

ماني بكل دقة 💯🟡#دوري_روشن_السعودي | #للجماهير pic.twitter.com/YbE6RVqgvk

— دوري روشن السعودي (@SPL) February 6, 2026

The anticipated clash appeared headed for a 0-0 draw but the hosts found a late winner through Mané, who rose to the occasion by firing in a penalty kick to give his club the breakthrough they needed.

It was certainly a deserved result for Al-Asfar Al-Kabir, who were in dire need of three points to continue their pursuit of league leaders Al Hilal. The Riyadh club’s rivals thrashed Al Okhdoud on Thursday to maintain their pace at the top of the table, but remain only a point ahead following Friday’s result.

How Sadio Mané came through to give Al Nassr the edge

Frustration appeared to be the theme for Al Nassr, who struggled to find a way past Ittihad and their high-priced Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajković. João Félix came close but could not get enough of a touch to an excellent cross from Marcelo Brozović

بروزوفيتش ◀️ فيلكس

مدّ نصراوي مستمر لأجل الهدف الأول 🟡⚽️#دوري_روشن_السعودي | #للجماهير pic.twitter.com/Vbmy1WtfrU

— دوري روشن السعودي (@SPL) February 6, 2026

However, the club’s Senegalese superstar showed his experience and composure late on to put the title challengers’ noses in front. Angelo’s excellent individual effort put the hosts beyond reach deep into stoppage time.

Next up for Al Nassr is a return to continental action with a trip to Turkmenistan where they will face FK Arkadag in the first leg of their clash in the Round of 16 stage of the AFC Champions League 2. Mané now has 8 goals and 6 assists in 21 matches across all competitions for his club this season.