WeeklySA_AdminCHALLENGE: Mamelodi Sundowns beat Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 2-1 in Pretoria to claim the African-Asian-Pacific Cup. Their next match will decide whether they face Paris Saint-Germain for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
Nuno Santos struck twice, including an 80th-minute winner, as Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 2-1 in Pretoria on Saturday to lift the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and move one victory away from a meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.
The African champions will now play in the FIFA Challenger Cup against the winner of the Derby of the Americas. That match will pit Mexican club Toluca against the winner of South America’s Copa Libertadores. Victory in the Challenger Cup would send Sundowns into the Intercontinental Cup final against European champions PSG. FIFA’s competition guide confirms that route.
Santos gave Sundowns a flying start in the 17th minute, rising to meet Teboho Mokoena’s curling cross and directing his header beyond Al Ahli goalkeeper Édouard Mendy into the top corner.
The lead lasted only two minutes. Ivan Toney drove down the left and sent a low ball towards Firas Al Buraikan. Ronwen Williams saved the initial attempt, but the ball rebounded off the Sundowns goalkeeper and crossed the line.
Al Ahli threatened to turn the match around. Toney set up Trincão for a curling effort that went wide, while a penalty awarded after Toney fell under a challenge from Williams was overturned because the striker had been offside in the build-up.
Sundowns had chances of their own. Khulumani Ndamane sent Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick over the bar from close range midway through the second half, leaving the contest finely balanced heading into its final minutes.
Then debutant Thabang Matuludi supplied the decisive cross. Santos threw himself forward to meet it with a diving header, completing his double and restoring Sundowns’ lead with 10 minutes remaining. The hosts held firm to claim the trophy and extend their campaign on the world stage.
Paris Saint-Germain won the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and received $5 million in prize money, while runners-up Flamengo received $4 million. Pyramids FC, who were eliminated in the Challenger Cup, received $2 million.
