Mamelodi Sundowns’ Brayan Leon welcomes Al Ahli test in FIFA Intercontinental Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon says he is embracing the pressure of facing Asian champions Al Ahli as the African champions continue their pursuit of intercontinental glory in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The teams meet at Loftus in Pretoria this week, with nearly 50,000 supporters expected to attend. Despite the significance of the fixture, Leon said he was approaching it calmly rather than allowing the occasion to become a burden.

“I’m very relaxed,” the Colombian forward said in an interview with FIFA.

Leon believes Sundowns will benefit from waiting until the match is close before allowing the full intensity of the occasion to take over.

“We don’t need to put ourselves under any pressure. That feeling will come when we’re a day away, or when we’re on our way to the stadium,” he said.

For the Sundowns forward, building that emotion gradually can provide the extra energy required to perform at the highest level. The expectation of playing in front of a large home crowd is also something he regards as an advantage.

“When your fans are cheering you on, that’s worth more than anything,” Leon said. “You have to give the fans credit for that as well. They’re always cheering us on and making sure we know we’re not alone.”

Al Ahli’s quality recognised

Sundowns will come up against an Al Ahli squad containing significant experience and attacking quality. The Saudi Arabian league side can call on Edouard Mendy, Merih Demiral, Francisco Trincao and Ivan Toney.

Leon acknowledged the scale of the challenge, while also pointing out that both teams arrive as continental champions.

“We know the calibre of players they have at their disposal, the strength in depth of their squad, and the level and potential they possess,” he said.

“They’re Asian champions, and we’re African champions. They’ll be thinking about us as well.”

The match at Loftus is expected to be a fiercely contested meeting, with both sides seeking to advance in the competition. For Sundowns, victory would set up a meeting in the Challenger Cup play-off round with either Mexico’s Toluca or the winner of the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

Leon said the prospect of facing a team accustomed to handling high-pressure matches made the next stage particularly appealing.

“We’d be up against a formidable opponent… Progressing to the next round and facing one of those clubs would be a huge achievement,” he said.

Sundowns will need Leon to continue his current form if they are to overcome Al Ahli. The Colombian has scored 18 goals in 35 appearances for the club and will be expected to provide a major attacking threat in Pretoria this weekend.