Al Ahli ready for Mamelodi Sundowns test, says coach Marino Pusic

Al Ahli head coach Marino Pusic says his side are ready to face African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the Intercontinental Cup on Saturday.

Al Ahli will travel to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the Three-Continental Cup on Saturday afternoon, with Pusic confident in his players’ ability to rise to the challenge.

“We will face a very strong opponent and everyone knows that,” Pusic told reporters. “We have great respect for them. They are the African champions and we are the Asian champions, so we are ready for this match as well.”

Pusic said Al Ahli’s preparations had focused on ensuring the team were able to carry out their game plan despite the demands of the occasion.

“Our main focus is on preparing well, as we always do, and then executing our plan during the match,” he added. “Playing in stadiums like these is always a challenge, but at the same time it is a wonderful experience.”

Al Ahli began their campaign in this year’s competition with a 1-0 victory over New Zealand side Auckland FC on 26 August.

Mamelodi Sundowns entered the tournament as the African champions, having won the African Champions League.