Asian Champions League: Despite Sadio Mané, Al-Nassr eliminated!

Sadio Mané will have to wait a bit longer before tasting an Asian final! Brilliant yet isolated, the Senegal Lions captain couldn’t prevent Al-Nassr’s elimination in the AFC Champions League semi-finals this Wednesday, falling to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale (2-3).

At the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah, Mané was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lifeless side.

With Cristiano Ronaldo invisible and Jhon Duran ineffective, it was the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations champion who sparked the fightback, leveling in the 28th minute with a sumptuous solo effort finished off with a pinpoint strike off the post and in. That was his third goal of the tournament, and his 12th of the season. Video:

Sadio Mané nearly grabbed a brace!

However, the efforts of the Bambali native ultimately proved in vain. Late in the match, as Al-Nassr pushed for an equalizer, Mané came agonizingly close to a second with a thunderous shot that grazed the crossbar (86’).

In stoppage time, Cristiano Ronaldo missed three golden chances in quick succession, leaving the fans frustrated.

Knocked out of all competitions and lagging behind in the league, Sadio Mané is looking at a trophyless season with the Saudi club. A bitter scenario for a player of his caliber.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.