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Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 2-1 in the second round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Saturday, according to Reuters. Portuguese forward Nuno Santos struck with headers in the 17th and 80th minutes to secure the victory for the South African side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The result advances Sundowns to face the winner between Mexico’s Toluca and the Copa Libertadores champions later this year.
Al Ahli equalized almost immediately after the opening goal when a close-range effort from Feras Al-Buraikan was not held by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, with the ball rebounding off the keeper into the net for an own goal in the 19th minute, ESPN figures show. The Saudi club, boasting talents including Ivan Toney leading the line and Edouard Mendy in goal, created several promising first-half opportunities but failed to convert them. Sundowns controlled much of the play, enjoying 68 percent possession across the 96 minutes of action.
Santos claimed his second goal with a diving header in the 80th minute after a precise cross from Thabang Matuludi, multiple outlets including The South African reported. Al Ahli responded with late substitutions and increased pressure in search of a leveler but were unable to find a way past the home defense. The African champions held firm to claim a result that eliminates the Asian title holders from the competition.
The FIFA Intercontinental Cup features champions from each of the six confederations, with European title holders Paris Saint-Germain qualifying directly for the final set for December. A Reuters assessment found that FIFA is yet to announce dates and venues for the concluding matches, which were staged in Qatar during the previous edition. Sundowns’ progress keeps African representation alive in the global tournament.
According to Soccer Laduma, Sundowns dominated early proceedings and capitalized on a set-piece delivery from Teboho Mokoena for the first goal, with Santos rising above defenders to head home. Al Ahli coach Marino Pušić deployed a formation aimed at countering the hosts’ possession game, yet the visitors struggled to contain the home side’s attacking width. The match drew a capacity crowd, adding to an intense atmosphere that favored the Pretoria-based club.
Santos said after the game, “I like to be in those type of positions on the pitch and today it was great that the ball arrived perfectly for me.” His performance earned praise across reports for clinical finishing in aerial situations. Al Ahli, despite significant investment in its squad, exits the tournament at this stage following a second consecutive challenging campaign in the competition.
The victory enhances Mamelodi Sundowns’ standing in world football, building upon their consistent African success, TimesLIVE noted. Pre-match festivities featured a performance by musician Sjava and the African-Asian-Pacific Cup trophy presentation by sprinter Akani Simbine. Sundowns will now prepare for their subsequent fixture against either North or South American opposition in the challenge phase.
