Mosimane backs Sundowns to edge Al-Ahli in Intercontinental Cup clash

Pitso Mosimane believes Mamelodi Sundowns have the advantage when they face Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia in their Fifa Intercontinental Cup meeting at Loftus on Saturday (15:00).

The match will bring together two clubs who played a significant role in Mosimane’s career. Although he left both teams some time ago, the former coach admits the occasion will carry particular significance because of the trophies he won with each side.

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

He guided Sundowns to five consecutive league titles, as well as several cup victories at Chloorkop, before moving to Al-Ahly in Egypt. Mosimane later helped Al-Ahli gain promotion to the Pro League in 2023.

The former coach said he was pleased to have played a part in the progress of two teams now representing their confederations on the international stage.

“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 featured in Champions League finals, the Fifa Club World Cup and the World Cup, said the meeting reflected the high standard reached by both clubs.

“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.”

Speaking after naming a 30-man squad for next week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, Mosimane identified Sundowns as slight favourites.

The South African side have won five and drawn one of their last five matches in all competitions. That run has taken them to the top of the Betway Premiership and secured their place in next month’s MTN8 final.

Sundowns have scored 11 goals during that period, while their defensive record has also been strong. Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss have been beaten only four times.

Al-Ahli, by contrast, have recorded three defeats, two victories and one draw in their recent matches in all competitions. Their league form has left them sixth in the Saudi Pro League standings.

“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.

“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.”

Al-Ahli coach Marino Pusic can call on international players including Edouard Mendy, Roger Ibanez, Merih Demiral, Galeno, Francisco Trincao and Ivan Toney.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso has experienced players such as Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews, Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners.

Cardoso also has a group of emerging players, including Siyabonga Mabena, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Gomolemo Kekana and Bennet Mokoena, who may be called upon at Loftus.