Overview
- Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Al‑Ahli of Saudi Arabia 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday to win the Africa‑Asia‑Pacific leg and advance in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
- Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos scored both goals for Sundowns, opening in the 17th minute and sealing the win with a diving header around the 79th–80th minute.
- Al‑Ahli briefly equalised via an own goal by Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams in the 19th minute and later squandered clear chances, a pattern that fuelled sharp criticism of coach Marino Pušić in Saudi commentary.
- Post‑match reactions mixed praise for Sundowns’ quality, including public compliments from Al‑Ahli goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, with Sundowns managing the result despite pre‑match injuries to key players.
- Sundowns will now face either Toluca or the winner of the Copa Libertadores for a place in the competition final and will collect reported prize money for progressing that can help fund the club’s season plans.