Nuno Santos scores twice as Mamelodi Sundowns lift FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nuno Santos marked his return to the starting XI by scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Al Ahli Jeddah, securing the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup 2026 on Saturday.

Santos had recently been left out of the Sundowns squad amid reports about uncertainty over his future at the club. However, the Portuguese midfielder responded with a decisive display at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria and was named Player of the Match.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso said Santos’ recall followed a series of conversations between the pair, as well as a noticeable change in the player’s attitude.

“Sometimes we play cards, we expect them to go well and they go wrong, other times we play cards, we have expectations to go well and they go well, I always say we are not magicians, but sometimes we can make magic and the players can do magic,” Cardoso said.

“I think what happened today was that they embraced each other, Nuno had his moment, it was not an easy moment and it’s not important to speak about it today, what is important is that he has a smile on his face today.

“And because he found that smile, I felt confident to put him to play – so I did give him an opportunity to play, to have a smile, he smiled, he embraced the team, he embraced the teammates.”

Cardoso also said Santos had pledged to focus on what Sundowns needed from him, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his omission from the squad.

“We had many talks and he said, ‘coach I will give the team what the team needs from me and it’s there I will prove that I am with guys all the way’.”

That promise was followed by a match-winning contribution, with Santos scoring twice to give Sundowns another international trophy.

His return provided an immediate reminder of his value to Cardoso’s plans. After a period away from the team and questions over his position at the club, Santos delivered the strongest possible response on the pitch.

The result also gave Sundowns further silverware, while Santos completed his comeback with two goals, the Player of the Match award and a victory over Al Ahli Jeddah.