Sundowns have preparation edge ahead of FIFA Continental Cup debut

Mamelodi Sundowns will have a full week to prepare for their first-ever FIFA Continental Cup match when they host Al Ahli Saudi FC at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The South African side face the 2025/26 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League winners in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup, with the winners receiving medals and a trophy after the match under Article 51 of the Regulations for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026.

Sundowns’ advantage comes from their uninterrupted preparation schedule. The Brazilians travelled to KuGompo City at the weekend, where they drew 1-1 with Chippa United on a greasy surface, but will now remain at their base in Chloorkop throughout the week.

Coach Miguel Cardoso can therefore focus entirely on planning for Al Ahli.

The Saudi club, in contrast, must begin the defence of their Asian Champions League title before travelling to South Africa. They face Pakhtakor FC from the Uzbekistan Super League at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Monday.

Pakhtakor are the lowest-ranked team in the Western Region of the competition. Al Ahli’s schedule leaves Tuesday for regeneration before their journey to OR Tambo Airport.

If they travel on a commercial flight, their route will include another destination and take about 15 hours. That leaves Marino Pusic with less preparation time and a demanding schedule before facing Sundowns.

The Al Ahli coach is expected to have several high-profile players in his squad, including Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, English striker Ivan Toney and Portuguese forward Francisco Trincao.

The match is the first stage of the route to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. The winners will advance to the Challenger Cup, where they will meet either Mexican club Toluca, the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, or the 2026 Copa Libertadores champions, who will be decided on November 28.

The team that wins that tie will then face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Tickets for Saturday’s match have been set at R80 by Sundowns.

Based on the amount paid last year, and with FIFA yet to announce any changes, at least USD1 million (approx. R16,2 million) will be available to the Tshwane club.

Victory over Al Ahli would double Sundowns’ earnings.