Mamelodi Sundowns’ FIFA Intercontinental Cup route narrowed to three possible opponents

Mamelodi Sundowns’ potential path to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final has been reduced to three clubs after Estudiantes de La Plata reached the Copa Libertadores final.

The Argentine side progressed after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera saved three penalties during a shootout against Fluminense at the Estadio do Maracana on Friday morning. The two legs of the semi-final had ended goalless, forcing the tie to be decided from the spot.

Palmeiras had already secured their place in the Copa Libertadores final after defeating Fluminense on penalties in the other semi-final on Thursday.

The final between Palmeiras and Estudiantes de La Plata will be played in Uruguay on November 28. The winner will then face CONCACAF champions Toluca in the Derby of the Americas.

That fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The winner of that match will meet Mamelodi Sundowns at the same venue on Saturday, December 12.

The result in the Libertadores semi-final means Sundowns’ possible opponents on that stage are now Palmeiras, Estudiantes de La Plata or Toluca, depending on the results of the matches still to be played.

UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain are waiting in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. That match will take place on Wednesday, December 16.

Estudiantes de La Plata are led by former Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, who is the club’s president.