Sadio Mane scores first Al Nassr goal in loss to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq

Sadio Mane scored his first Al Nassr goal in their 2-1 Saudi Arabian Pro League loss away to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq SC on Monday August 14.

Senegalese superstar Mane shot Al Nassr in front in their opening game of the 2023/2024 Saudi Arabian Pro League season but were left with nothing at full time as Al Ettifaq came from behind to take maximum points.

The opening goal arrived in the fourth minute when Saudi Arabia midfielder Ali Alhassan’s cutback from the byline into the path of Sadio Mane was swept in.

That goal looked to have buried concerns over the unavailability of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo from Al Nassr’s matchday squad.

Managed by former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, Al Ettifaq fought back through second half goals in front of their supporters

Sweden striker Robin Quaison poked the ball in from close range following a corner-kick by Jordan Henderson.

Moussa Dembele then scored to complete the turnaround for Al Ettifaq who won 2-1 at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.

A losing start to the campaign for Sadio Mane and Al Nassr who will rue the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo for the opening game of the Saudi Arabian season.

Ronaldo was stretched out of Al Nassr’s Arab Championship Club final win over Al Hilal days ago and did not recover in time to make Luis Castro’s matchday squad for the League opener.

In the other Saudi Arabian Pro League games decided on Monday August 14, Champions Al Ittihad spanked Al Raed 0-3. Al Shabab and Al Akdoud shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Abha fell 1-3 to Al Hilal with Malcolm bagging all three goals to seal victory for the Blues who have made breakthrough in their bid to sign Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr from French Ligue One champions PSG.