Al Ahli pegged back by Sundowns own goal after early defensive error in Intercontinental Cup

Al Ahli’s Intercontinental Cup clash with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns burst into life with two goals in the opening stages on 19 September 2026, including a defensive lapse from the Saudi team and a swift own goal that restored parity.

Mamelodi Sundowns took the lead in the 17th minute when Nuno Santos headed a cross into the centre of the penalty area past Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The goal followed a failure by Al Ahli’s defence to deal with the ball inside the box. Valentin Atangana was unable to provide the required cover, leaving Santos with enough space to finish.

The incident highlighted a recurring problem for Al Ahli in recent matches: a lack of defensive organisation and a delayed response to opponents’ movement inside the penalty area.

Al Ahli respond through own goal

Al Ahli did not have to wait long for an equaliser. Firas Al-Birakan met a well-weighted pass from the left and directed the ball towards goal in the 19th minute.

The effort struck Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams before finding the net, with the goal credited to Al Ahli as an own goal.

Williams’ touch changed the ball’s direction and allowed Al Ahli to level almost immediately, bringing the match back to 1-1 after a frantic start.

The opening goal conceded by Al Ahli was not an isolated mistake. It reflected defensive issues that have surfaced repeatedly, particularly when the team has had to track runners in the penalty area or deal with balls played into central positions.

Al Ahli now need to address the problem quickly. If the defensive uncertainty continues, Mamelodi Sundowns could create further opportunities, especially given the pace of their players and their ability to exploit spaces behind or between the Saudi side’s defenders.

The early exchanges have therefore produced an evenly poised contest, but Busic will be expected to find an immediate solution to Al Ahli’s defensive weakness. Otherwise, another error could give the African champions a decisive advantage in the match.