CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns put up a commendable display to overcome Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
In the game played on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, Sundowns earned a 2-1 win to win the African-Asian Pacific and progress to the semifinals of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Nuno Santos bagged a brace, scoring in either half while goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saw Firas Al Buraikan’s effort rebound off him for Al Ahli’s goal.
Santos fired Mamelodi Sundowns into the lead in the 17th minute, heading home from a well-weighted cross by Teboho Mokoena.
The lead was, however, short-lived, with Al Ahli finding the equaliser two minutes later when Al Buraikan’s effort rebounded off the goalkeeper and into the net.
The winning goal arrived ten minutes from time with Santos well stationed to dive and head home from Thabang Matuludi’s cross.
Mamelodi Sundowns will now face the winner between Mexican side Toluca and a yet-to-be-confirmed South American representative in the semifinals. The winner of that game will then take on European Champions PSG in the final.
