Mendy praises ‘strong’ Mamelodi Sundowns after Al-Ahli Saudi defeat

Al-Ahli Saudi captain Edouard Mendy described Mamelodi Sundowns as a “strong opponent” after their 2-1 defeat by the African champions in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Sundowns secured the African-Asian-Pacific Cup final with two goals from Nuno Santos, one in each half.

Mendy, 34, recently ended his international career with Senegal, but was impressed by Sundowns’ performance after they controlled much of the match.

“I have nothing to say except that they are a good opponent and it’s a final. It was 50-50,” Mendy told the media in the mixed zone.

“I think we had the better of chances, but we didn’t score, and at the end, when you play this kind of a team, when they have the opportunity, they do it.”

The goalkeeper said Al-Ahli Saudi had expected to face a high-quality side and had not been surprised by Sundowns’ level.

“Strong opponent like we expected; we were not surprised by the level, but I think we faced a strong team,” he said. “Even though we played a strong team, we produced very good football.

“We had the best situation, especially in the first half, but unfortunately, we didn’t score, and at this level, when it is a final, it is about the details, and the details didn’t go on our side.”

Mendy felt Sundowns’ experience of major matches had helped them take advantage of the opportunities that came their way. He also acknowledged that Al-Ahli Saudi’s inability to convert its own chances had made the contest more difficult.

“They are used to playing these kinds of matches at a very high level for us as well, but today it went on their side, and it is what it is, and we are very sorry for our fans,” he said.

“I think we produced enough to win the match, but it didn’t go our way like I said.

“We are very frustrated and very disappointed, but this is football; we need to work and move forward with our next goals.”

Despite the result, Mendy praised the welcome the team received during their stay in South Africa and said Al-Ahli Saudi deserved more from the final.

“I’m not surprised by the South Africans. They were very welcoming, and the hospitality here for the team for the three days was amazing,” he said.

“But our focus was on the field, and I think we deserved more.”