Mamelodi Sundowns have kept their dream of becoming world champions alive after defeating Asian champions Al Ahli 2–1 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon to advance to the next stage of the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The Brazilians, representing Africa as reigning CAF Champions League winners, produced a determined performance against the Saudi giants and secured their place in the FIFA Challenger Cup.
Portuguese forward Nuno Santos was the hero for Sundowns, scoring twice to settle a closely contested encounter.
Santos opened the scoring in the 17th minute, giving the home side an early advantage. Al Ahli responded almost immediately, however, with Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams involved in an unfortunate own goal that brought the Saudi side level in the 19th minute.
The match remained evenly contested before Santos struck again in the 80th minute, restoring Sundowns’ lead and ultimately securing a historic victory.
The result means Sundowns have won the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and progressed to the Challenger Cup. CAF had explained before the match that the winner of the Sundowns-Al Ahli encounter would advance to face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas.
Sundowns’ next opponent will be the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas, involving Concacaf champions Toluca of Mexico and the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores champions.
The Libertadores winner will only be confirmed after the final on 28 November 2026, meaning Sundowns’ Challenger Cup opponent is not yet known.
The winner of that Challenger Cup encounter will progress to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners.
Sundowns will now turn their attention back to the CAF Champions League, where they are defending the continental crown they won last season by beating AS FAR 2–1 on aggregate.
They received a bye into the second preliminary round and have been drawn to face the winner of Wiliete SC of Angola and Foresters FC of Seychelles.
The first leg is scheduled for 16–18 October 2026, with Sundowns playing away, while the return leg will be played in South Africa between 23–25 October.
Before their CAF Champions League campaign resumes, Sundowns are scheduled to return to domestic action against Richards Bay.
The Betway Premiership encounter is scheduled for Saturday, 17 October at 8.15pm at Richards Bay Stadium.