Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al-Ahli Saudi FC to reach Intercontinental Cup next stage

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Al-Ahli Saudi FC 2-1 on Saturday, 19 September 2026, to win the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup and secure their place in the next stage of the Intercontinental Cup.

Nuno Santos scored both goals for the South African side, including the decisive header in the 79th minute, after an open contest in which Al-Ahli created several opportunities to take control.

Both teams attacked from the opening whistle. Mamelodi Sundowns threatened in the third minute, but their shot went straight to Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Al-Ahli responded eight minutes later when Ziyad Al-Jahni collected Ivan Toney’s pass inside the penalty area. His powerful effort beat the goalkeeper but struck the left post.

Mamelodi Sundowns took the lead in the 17th minute. A ball into the penalty area was not dealt with by the Saudi defence, allowing Nuno Santos to rise and head home.

Al-Ahli were level just two minutes later. Firas Al-Buraikan’s shot was deflected into the net by Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was unable to keep the effort out.

The pace remained high after the equaliser. Al-Ahli had a clear chance to go ahead in the 23rd minute when Francesco Trincao was released by Ivan Toney, but he placed his shot just wide of the left post.

Mamelodi Sundowns then tested Mendy in the 33rd minute with another cross behind the Al-Ahli defence. A powerful header appeared destined for the net, but Mendy made an important save.

Trincao missed another opportunity shortly before half-time, sending a header from a cross only centimetres wide of the South African goal. The teams went into the interval level at 1-1, although Al-Ahli could have been ahead after Al-Jahni’s effort against the post and Trincao’s one-on-one chance.

The second half began in the same attacking style. Al-Ahli looked to exploit space through the middle and came close to creating a decisive opening in the 56th minute after a pass from Valentin Atangana, but their players could not make the most of it.

Mamelodi Sundowns continued to pose a threat and nearly restored their lead in the 65th minute. A player rose to meet a cross inside the penalty area, but his header drifted wide.

As the match progressed, the space between the two sides increased and each attack carried the possibility of changing the result. Al-Ahli, however, were unable to convert their chances.

The winning goal arrived in the 79th minute. Modiba delivered a cross from the right and Nuno Santos found room in the penalty area to head the ball past Mendy for his second goal of the match.

Al-Ahli pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, but Mamelodi Sundowns’ defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 victory.