African Footprints Spotlight: Senegal’s Edouard Mendy Shines as Al-Ahli Clinch 2025 Saudi Super Cup

African Footprints Spotlight: Senegal’s Edouard Mendy Shines as Al-Ahli Clinch 2025 Saudi Super Cup

Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy played a vital role in Al-Ahli SC’s thrilling victory over Al-Nassr in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final held at Hong Kong Stadium on August 23, 2025.

The match was a rollercoaster, ending 2-2 after regular time, before Al-Ahli triumphed 5-3 in the penalty shootout to lift their second Saudi Super Cup title — their first since 2016.

Cristiano Ronaldo put Al-Nassr ahead in the 40th minute with a penalty that also marked his 100th goal for the club. However, Franck Kessié, another African star, equalized for Al-Ahli just before halftime, demonstrating the strength of African talent on the pitch.

In the second half, Al-Nassr’s Marcelo Brozović restored the lead at the 82nd minute, but Roger Ibañez leveled the score in the 89th minute, forcing the game into penalties.

Throughout the tense shootout, Mendy’s composure and crucial saves helped Al-Ahli convert all five penalties, while Al-Nassr faltered once, sealing a memorable victory.

Reflecting on the win, Mendy said:
"Proud of the job we have done all together to bring this trophy home."

This victory not only highlights Al-Ahli’s rise in Asian football but also underlines the growing footprint African players like Mendy and Kessié are making on the global stage.