Mamelodi Sundowns showed their strength in Africa, says Edouard Mendy

Al-Ahli captain Edouard Mendy has described Mamelodi Sundowns as a strong African side after their 2-1 defeat by the African Champions in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

The result secured Sundowns the African-Asian-Pacific Cup final, with Nuno Santos scoring twice, once in each half.

Mendy, 34, recently ended his international career with Senegal, and said Al-Ahli had created enough opportunities to win but were punished when Sundowns found openings.

“I have nothing to say except that they are a good opponent and it’s a final. It was 50-50. I think we had the better of chances, but we didn’t score, and at the end, when you play this kind of a team, when they have the opportunity, they do it,” Mendy told the media during the mixed zone.

The goalkeeper said his side had not underestimated Sundowns and believed the match had been decided by fine margins.

“Strong opponent like we expected; we were not surprised by the level, but I think we faced a strong team. Even though we played a strong team, we produced very good football.

“We had the best situation, especially in the first half, but unfortunately, we didn’t score, and at this level, when it is a final, it is about the details, and the details didn’t go on our side.”

Mendy felt Sundowns’ familiarity with high-profile matches gave them an advantage, while Al-Ahli’s failure to take their chances increased the difficulty of the contest.

“They are used to playing these kinds of matches at a very high level for us as well, but today it went on their side, and it is what it is, and we are very sorry for our fans,” he said.

“I think we produced enough to win the match, but it didn’t go our way like I said.

“We are very frustrated and very disappointed, but this is football; we need to work and move forward with our next goals.”

Despite the defeat, Mendy praised the welcome Al-Ahli received during their stay in South Africa. The Saudi club spent three days there before the final.

“I’m not surprised by the South Africans. They were very welcoming, and the hospitality here for the team for the three days was amazing.

“But our focus was on the field, and I think we deserved more.”