PRETORIA: Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium to win the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and advance to the next stage of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026.
Nuno Santos was the star for the CAF champions, scoring twice with headers to seal a hard-fought victory in front of a capacity home crowd. Santos put Sundowns ahead early, but Al Ahli quickly levelled through Feras Al Brikan, whose effort deflected off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams before crossing the line.
Santos struck again after the break, heading home the decisive goal to send the South African champions into the FIFA Challenger Cup. Sundowns, who entered the competition as CAF Champions League winners, will now face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas between Concacaf Champions Cup holders Toluca and the 2026 Copa Libertadores champions. The Challenger Cup winners will meet UEFA Champions League holders PSG in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
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