Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun: Mane forces own goal as hosts lead at half-time

RIYADH: Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun delivered an early breakthrough on Monday as the hosts grabbed a 1–0 half-time lead in their crucial Saudi Pro League clash at Al-Awwal Park Stadium, thanks to an own goal by Al-Dossari forced by Sadio Mané’s relentless pressure.

The decisive moment in Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun came midway through the first half when Mané drove aggressively down the left flank and sent a dangerous ball into the box, leaving Al-Dossari with little choice but to divert it into his own net.

The goal capped a dominant opening spell from Al Nassr, who controlled possession and tempo in a match carrying major implications for the race toward the league’s top three.

This is our XI. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/8fc46qMzsH

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 26, 2026

Entering Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun, separated by just two points in the standings, the hosts, fourth on 37 points, knew victory was essential to maintain pressure on the leaders after recent wins over Al Shabab and Damac.

Al Taawoun, fifth with 35 points, struggled to themselves before the break, managing just one shot as Al Nassr’s attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Mané repeatedly threatened, leaving the contest finely poised heading into the second half.