Nuno Santos brace sends Sundowns into next stage of FIFA Intercontinental Cup
Nuno Santos was the difference at Loftus Versfeld as Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al Ahli 2-1 on Saturday to progress in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The Portuguese midfielder struck once in each half, including a late diving header, as Sundowns claimed the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and moved one step closer to a place in the tournament final.
Sundowns started brightly in front of their home crowd and took the lead in the 17th minute.
Teboho Mokoena’s delivery found Santos in the box, with the midfielder rising above the Al Ahli defence to head the ball beyond goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The lead lasted only two minutes.
Al Ahli worked the ball forward through Ivan Toney, who supplied Feras Al Brikan. His effort was saved by Ronwen Williams, but the ball deflected off the Sundowns goalkeeper and crossed the line to level matters.
The visitors grew into the contest and had chances to turn the game around before the break.
Francisco Trincao went close after being picked out by Toney, but his effort missed the target. Al Ahli were also awarded a penalty later in the match after Toney went down following a challenge from Williams, only for the decision to be overturned after an offside was identified in the build-up.
Sundowns remained in the contest and continued searching for a second goal.
Khulumani Ndamane came close midway through the second half when he met an Aubrey Modiba free-kick, but his effort went over the crossbar.
The decisive moment came with 10 minutes remaining.
Thabang Matuludi, making his Sundowns debut, sent a cross into the area and Santos reacted quickest, diving to meet the ball with a header that beat Mendy and restored the hosts’ lead.
Al Ahli pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Sundowns held on to secure the victory.
The result sees the African champions advance to the FIFA Challenger Cup, where they will meet the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas.
That tie will feature Mexican champions Toluca against the eventual winners of the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The South American representative will only be confirmed after the Libertadores final on 28 November.
The Challenger Cup winner will then face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
For Sundowns, Saturday’s victory extends their run in a competition that brings together champions from all six FIFA confederations, with the Brazilians now two wins away from lifting the global title.
