Mane’s winner in extra time gives the home team the victory following a fiercely contested and contentious 1-0 football match. Al Nassr advances to the King’s Cup of Champions tournament quarterfinals.
In the Round of 16 of the King’s Cup of Champions, Al Nassr’s 1-0 victory over Al Ettifaq at home may rank among the most thrilling matches of the year after 120 minutes of thrilling football, drama, and a late winner.
Mane’s winner in extra time gives the home team the victory following a fiercely contested and contentious football match.
Despite having numerous opportunities to score goals, Ettifaq’s forward line was unable to get past Nawaf Alaqidi, the Al Nassr keeper, and Abdulelah Al-Amri, the center back’s wall.
Al Nassr eventually took control of the ball and played attacking until the first-half whistle blew. Anderson Talisca scored the first goal in stoppage time following a goalless 45 minutes when Mane’s cross from the left flank found Talisca’s first-time finish. Nevertheless, following a contentious VAR intervention, the goal was disallowed because Ronaldo was standing offside even though he had moved out of the way of the ball.
Shortly after, Ettifaq’s defender Hamdan Al-Shammrani’s yellow card was changed to a red one for what appeared to be an elbow on his face, sparking the start of the VAR drama. At halftime, Al Nassr had just ten men remaining.
Similar tactics were used in the second half, with Ettifaq defending deep in its half and relying heavily on counterattacks while Al Nassr controlled most of the ball.
Al Nassr was superior to the other team even though they were down a man, but the first goal was not scored in the second half either.
Al Ettifaq had several opportunities to score but was unable to put the ball in the back of the net. Ayman Yahya, a substitute, sent a low-driven cross into the box moments later in the 107th minute, piercing through everyone and meeting Mane’s composed finish into the goal. Al Nassr proceeded and completed the task elegantly.
The bus was parked by Al Nassr following the first goal. Al Ettifaq’s last chance came when captain Jordan Henderson attempted a free kick in the 120th minute, but he was unable to score.
Al Nassr advances to the King’s Cup of Champions tournament quarterfinals.
