FIFA Intercontinental Cup: Pitso Mosimane predicts Mamelodi Sundowns advantage in Al Ahli showdown

Pitso Mosimane expects Mamelodi Sundowns to hold the advantage when his former clubs meet in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The South African coach, who enjoyed successful spells with both sides, believes Sundowns’ recent form gives them the edge ahead of the 3pm clash.

The fixture carries added significance for Mosimane, who guided Sundowns to five consecutive league titles and several domestic trophies before leaving for Al Ahly in Egypt. He later helped Al Ahli return to the Saudi Pro League in 2023.

“It is very emotional for me because I won trophies with both teams,” Mosimane said.

Mosimane proud of both clubs

The former Sundowns coach said he was pleased to see both clubs competing at the highest level after making significant contributions to their respective histories.

Al Ahli secured the Asian Champions League title twice, while Sundowns recently lifted the CAF Champions League, earning their place in the Intercontinental Cup.

“The other one [Al-Ahli] won the Champions League twice and this one [Sundowns] just won it recently. I am happy that I contributed somewhere a little bit.”

Mosimane, who has experienced major occasions including Champions League finals, the FIFA Club World Cup and the World Cup, said Saturday’s encounter reflects the stature both clubs have achieved.

“It’s humbling to see these two teams at this stage, they are playing at a high level. They are here because they won the Champions League of their confederations.”

Form gives Sundowns the edge

Despite his emotional connection to both teams, Mosimane believes Sundowns enter the contest in stronger form.

The Brazilians have won five and drawn one of their last six matches across all competitions, a run that has taken them to the top of the Betway Premiership and into the MTN8 final.

Sundowns have also been defensively solid during that period, conceding only four goals while scoring 11.

“But Al-Ahli is not really in a good position at the moment. Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino left the club and they don’t really have [top players]. They have Ivan Toney who was with England at the World Cup but they are not in a good space.”

Mosimane therefore sees Sundowns as having a slight advantage when the sides meet.

“I think Sundowns have an advantage; the yellow side have an advantage over the green side. It will be good to see the boys and management again. It is good history.”

Star names set for Loftus clash

Al Ahli will rely on a squad featuring international players such as Édouard Mendy, Roger Ibañez, Merih Demiral, Galeno, Francisco Trincão and Toney.

The Saudi club, however, have endured an inconsistent run, recording three defeats, two wins and a draw in their last six matches. Their league struggles have left them sixth in the Saudi Pro League.

Sundowns, meanwhile, possess established internationals including Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews, Brayan León and Iqraam Rayners.

Miguel Cardoso can also turn to emerging talents such as Siyabonga Mabena, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Gomolemo Kekana and Bennet Mokoena as Sundowns look to justify Mosimane’s backing.