Al Ahli coach Marino Pusic praises Sundowns after FIFA cup defeat

19.09.26 FT FIFA Intercontinental Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Al Ahli

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Al Ahli SC head coach Marino Pusic has heaped praise on Mamelodi Sundowns after falling short to the Brazilians in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium over the weekend.

The back-to-back Asian champions succumbed to a brace from Nuno Santos, who bypassed goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in each half, while Ronwen Williams scored an own goal in a 2-1 defeat.

Notably, the Saudi Pro League outfit has now lost the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup for a second year in a row, having suffered the same fate at the hands of 2025 African champions Pyramids FC last year.

Pusic, meanwhile, was impressed with the manner in which Sundowns imposed themselves in the high-stakes match, noting their cohesion as a team is down to the prolonged period the squad has spent together.

“We knew that they were a good team and that they have been together for a long period, good playing team and they are very good in ball possession as well, so they showed it as well,” said the Dutch trainer.

"But one more time, I think we controlled that part pretty good without conceding big chances until the last 20 minutes of the second half like I said. And I think we used also their weaknesses in a good way, we only didn't score a goal in that moment.

"I want to congratulate them as well because they won this cup. So, congratulations to the team, and we knew that they are a good team because they have been playing together for a long period like I said.

"They have also been playing in the national team together for a long period of time, and they have a lot of optimism and they are a fit team as well. So, always a tough opponent to face.

"But one more time, like I said, if I see the chances, if you score in time on those good moments, that could be a very different game for them.

Pusic, who previously coached Shakhtar Donetsk and Feyernoord, recently took over the reins at Al Ahli, replacing Matthias Jaissle, who left the Jeddah-based club for English Premier League side Newcastle United last month.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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