Intercontinental Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns eliminate Al-Ahli and continue their run

19.09.26 FT FIFA Intercontinental Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Al Ahli

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Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al-Ahli 2-1 in Pretoria and continue their run in the Intercontinental Cup thanks to a brace from Nuno Santos.

Mamelodi Sundowns are continuing their journey in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. This Saturday, September 19, the African champions defeated Al-Ahli (2-1) at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld and secured the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup. The fixture pitted the African champions against the Asian champions, with a place in the next stage of the global tournament at stake.

The hero of the match was Nuno Santos. The Portuguese player scored both of South Africa's goals, both headers, in the 17th and 80th minutes. In between, Al-Ahli equalised almost immediately through an own goal by Ronwen Williams in the 19th minute.

Nuno Santos strikes twice with headers

Sundowns opened the scoring with their first genuine dangerous attack. Teboho Mokoena delivered an excellent ball into the box, and Nuno Santos, left unmarked by the Saudi defence, powered home an unstoppable header to send Loftus Versfeld into celebration.

Al-Ahli reacted just two minutes later, however. Firas Al-Buraikan met a cross from Ivan Toney, and his attempt, parried by Ronwen Williams, ultimately rebounded off the goalkeeper before crossing the line. The Saudis then had several opportunities to take the lead, notably through Ziyad Al-Johani and Francisco Trincão, but were unable to convert them.

Sundowns more clinical at decisive moments

The second half was more tightly contested. Al-Ahli gradually dropped deeper and found it increasingly difficult to exploit the space behind the South African defence. Sundowns, for their part, continued to attack down the flanks and were eventually rewarded with 10 minutes remaining.

In the 80th minute, Thabang Matuludi sent another cross into the box and Nuno Santos appeared to place a diving header, almost identical to his first goal. That efficiency made all the difference in a match in which Al-Ahli had nevertheless created numerous dangerous opportunities.

Sundowns win the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup

This success allows Mamelodi Sundowns to win the FIFA Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup for the first time in the club's history. Crowned African champions last May, the South African club have added another trophy to an already historic 2026.

Al-Ahli, meanwhile, leave the competition despite being the reigning Asian champions. The Saudis will mainly rue their lack of clinical finishing in the first half, when they had chances to take the lead.

The Derby of the Americas next

Sundowns will now compete in the FIFA Challenger Cup. Their next opponent will be the winner of the Derby of the Americas between Mexican club Toluca and the future 2026 Copa Libertadores champions.

Should they win again, the African champions will qualify for the Intercontinental Cup final, where holders Paris Saint-Germain await. PSG won the 2025 edition of the competition after defeating Flamengo in the final.

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Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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