Mamelodi Sundowns are one step closer to a blockbuster clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
The African champions defeated Al Ahli in a feisty encounter at Loftus Versfeld today (19 September).
Here’s how the African-Asian-Pacific leg of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup played out.
How Sundowns and Al Ahli lined up
Coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes from the draw against Chippa United.
Defender Thabani Matuludi was handed his first start, with Nuno Santos and Aubrey Modiba rejoining the starting XI.
How Sundowns lined up:
Williams; Modiba, Ndamane, Kekana, Matuludi; Mokoena; Matthews, Allende, Santos, Morena; Leon.
Al Ahli also fielded a full-strength side, including Ivan Toney, Edouard Mendy, Merih Demiral, and Francisco Trincao.
What Al Ahli’s XI looked like:
Mendy; Al Hawsawi, Ibanez, Demiral, Baattia; Al Johani, Atangana; Al Buraikan, Spertsyan, Trincao; Toney
How the Intercontinental Cup match went
Mamelodi Sundowns controlled the early pace, while Al Ahli chose to defend rather than press.
The pressure eventually paid off, with Santos finding the top left corner through a Teboho Mokoena cross in the 17th minute.
However, just two minutes later, as cited by FlashScore, the visitors equalised.
Sundowns keeper-captain Ronwen Williams couldn’t hold on to a close-range shot, which was awarded as an own goal.
The hosts sustained the pressure but were unable to find a way through, and the first half ended deadlocked at 1-1.
In the second half, the game looked like spot kicks might decide it.
However, Matuludi then fed a cross to Santos, who made no mistake and completed his brace in the 80th minute.
Al Ahli tried to salvage the game with multiple substitutions.
Sundowns replied in kind, making three changes past the 85th minute.
Ultimately, the African champions held firm after 96 nail-biting minutes, and the game ended 2-1 in Pretoria.
Masandawana will face the winner of Toluca versus the Copa Libertadores champion in the Challenge Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain, as the European champions, are waiting in the final.
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