Malcom at the double as Al Hilal see off African champions Sundowns in Austria friendly

Brazilian winger Malcom continued his prolific pre-season form with both goals as Al Hilal defeated CAF Champions League holders Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in a friendly in Austria.

The Saudi Pro League side maintained their perfect start to preparations for the 2026-27 campaign with victory on Friday in their overseas training camp, known to Al Hilal fans as “Al Zaeem’s” external camp.

Malcom struck in each half to decide the match, taking his tally to three goals in two warm-up games in Austria.

The former Barcelona forward opened the scoring in the first half when he broke clear and finished after being released by a precise through ball from Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

After the break, Malcom doubled Al Hilal’s lead with a first-time finish, converting a cross from new signing Sabri Dahl, who provided the assist from the flank.

The brace follows Malcom’s goal in Al Hilal’s previous friendly, a 2-1 win over Austrian side Sturm Graz, meaning he has now scored in both of the Riyadh club’s matches at their current camp.

Inzaghi hands minutes to new arrivals

Head coach Simone Inzaghi used the meeting with the South African champions to rotate his squad and assess several players, including recent arrivals.

Among the most notable was Saudi Arabia international goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, who made his first appearance for Al Hilal by coming on in the second half.

Inzaghi spread opportunities across his group as he fine-tuned the side ahead of the new season, ensuring that both established names and summer signings featured during the contest against Mamelodi Sundowns.

More friendlies to come in Austria

Al Hilal’s Austrian camp will continue with two further fixtures before the team returns to Saudi Arabia.

The Riyadh giants are scheduled to face Algerian club MC Alger in another friendly on 29 July, before concluding their camp with a match against Al Ahli Qatar on 3 August.

The series of games in Austria forms a key part of Al Hilal’s build-up to the 2026-27 season, with Malcom’s early form providing a notable boost as the club prepare for domestic and continental commitments.