Mamelodi Sundowns hailed after historic FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns sporting director Flemming Berg has congratulated the club’s supporters after their historic FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup victory over Al Ahli SC.

The Tshwane club defeated the back-to-back Asian champions 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium this past weekend, with Nuno Santos scoring both of Sundowns’ goals.

The success adds another international honour to a trophy-laden period for Sundowns, who are waiting to discover their next opponents in the competition. They will face the winner between the Copa Libertadores champions and Concacaf champions Toluca.

Berg, who joined Sundowns during the 2021/22 season after leaving his role as a technical assistant with FIFA, used social media to praise the club and its supporters following Saturday’s win.

“Congratulations Masandawana! Four months ago we conquered Africa and won the CAF CL. First time No. 1 on the CAF ranking,” Berg wrote on his X account.

“Yesterday [Saturday] we took it a step further and won the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup. On population – it means we are Champions of 78% of the world.”

The sporting director also joked that Sundowns could claim to be 78% world champions while they await the conclusion of the wider tournament.

Since Berg’s arrival at Chloorkop, Sundowns have won four league titles, as well as the CAF Champions League, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout Cup, MTN8 and the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Their latest triumph came against Al Ahli SC in front of their home supporters, with Santos’ two-goal performance proving decisive in a closely contested match.

The FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup victory follows Sundowns’ CAF Champions League success four months earlier and further underlines the club’s recent dominance in domestic and continental football.

Berg also highlighted the significance of the club reaching the top of the CAF ranking for the first time, adding to the achievements celebrated in his message to the Masandawana faithful.