Nuno Santos double sends Mamelodi Sundowns through in FIFA Intercontinental Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the next round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after Nuno Santos scored twice in a 2-1 win over Al Ahli at Loftus on Saturday.

The forward struck with a header in each half to settle a closely contested match, despite Sundowns having to absorb sustained pressure from the Saudi Arabian side.

Al Ahli started with greater purpose and should have taken the lead when Ziya Aljohani was released behind the Sundowns defence. With only Ronwen Williams to beat, the midfielder sent his shot wide of the target.

Sundowns punished that miss in the 17th minute. Teboho Mokoena delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, where Santos climbed above the Al Ahli defenders and directed his header beyond Edouard Mendy.

The hosts’ advantage lasted only briefly. Ivan Toney moved down the left and sent a dangerous delivery into the box, with Feras Al-Buraikan’s attempt taking a deflection off Williams before finding the net.

Both sides created further chances before half-time as they looked to regain the lead. Brayan Leon tested Mendy with a header, while Sundowns attempted to reassert control of the game.

The pattern continued after the interval, with Al Ahli posing a threat and Sundowns trying to create opportunities in the final third.

Williams was called upon to make another important save to keep the scores level. Sundowns then came close to restoring their advantage in the 66th minute, but Khulumi Ndamase lifted his attempt over the crossbar.

Santos finally put the Brazilians back in front in the 80th minute. Once again, Sundowns supplied a high-quality cross, and the forward rose to meet it with a powerful header that completed his brace.

Al Ahli committed players forward in search of a second equaliser during the closing stages, but Sundowns defended firmly to preserve their lead.

The home side almost added a third in stoppage time when Bathusi Aubaas found an opening. Mendy, however, produced a strong save to deny him.

Sundowns held on for a hard-fought victory and secured their place in the next round of the competition.