Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al Ahli to claim FIFA Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns underlined their status as Africa’s leading club with a 2-1 victory over Al Ahli in the FIFA Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.

The win sends the South African side into the next stage of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they will meet either the South American or North American champions in the FIFA Challenger Cup in a few weeks.

Nuno Santos was the decisive figure, scoring twice as Sundowns delivered the “shoe shine and piano” football associated with their style.

Coach Miguel Cardoso had insisted before kick-off that the match was not an open tournament but a contest between elite teams competing for global bragging rights. His assessment appeared justified at the final whistle, when he ran across the pitch to acknowledge the supporters before club legend Tiyani Mabunda lifted him into the air.

Cardoso then punched the air in celebration as Sundowns completed a victory that carried the expectations of African football.

The occasion had been given an added sense of significance before the match, which took place a few days before South Africa’s Heritage Day. Musician Sjava, dressed in traditional Zulu clothing, helped raise the energy inside the stadium.

The stands were dominated by yellow, with the home support giving CAF President and former club owner Patrice Motsepe a warm reception during his official visit. Motsepe had helped lay the foundations for the club’s rise.

Sundowns began with greater purpose and precision, immediately taking the game to their Asian opponents. Debutant Thabang Matuludi fitted into the side without disruption as the hosts controlled the early stages.

Their pressure produced the opening goal when Santos headed in a cross from Teboho Mokoena. The move began with good build-up work from Aubrey Modiba on the left.

Al Ahli responded quickly on the counter-attack. Zakaria Al Hawsawi delivered a cross into the area for Firas Al-Buraikan, whose attempt deflected off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and ended in the net as an own goal.

Sundowns continued to search for a second goal, although their passing combinations did not immediately bring a reward. They were also relieved when a penalty awarded against Williams for tripping Ivan Toney was overturned by referee Sandro Scharer after a VAR review.

The hosts returned from half-time with renewed energy. Despite brief stoppages and disputed refereeing decisions, they maintained their rhythm, with Marcelo Allende controlling the tempo and breaking up Al Ahli’s attacks.

The Chilean midfielder had been in high spirits before the game after wishing his country a happy Independence Day, and he remained central to Sundowns’ performance.

Encouraged by the bench, the home supporters increased their volume. Their backing helped drive Sundowns forward, and Santos restored their lead with a diving header that beat Edouard Mendy and secured the win.