2026 World Cup Qualifier: Sadio Mané Aims for Victory Against South Sudan

Is the Senegalese footballer not performing at his best anymore? This question has come up recently as he faces scrutiny over his recent performances, especially considering he was a standout player for the Lions a year or two ago. This Friday, in the match against South Sudan, he has a significant opportunity to change the narrative.

Mané hasn’t scored for Senegal in a year. His last goal came on October 15, 2024, in Lilongwe, where he scored a stunning free kick to lead the Lions to a 1-0 win over Malawi and secure their place in the African Cup of Nations. Since then, he has been silent on the scoring front. Notably, the Al-Nassr striker has a tally of 46 goals and 27 assists for the national team. While his pace may have declined, he remains an important player.

At the club level, his performance has been strong, with 5 goals and 4 assists in the early part of the season in Saudi Arabia. Expectations are high for the upcoming match against South Sudan, and Mané will need to perform at his best to help Senegal secure their spot for the next stage, despite currently leading the group.