Mamelodi Sundowns are now one victory away from a blockbuster FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain after conquering Al Ahli in Pretoria on Saturday.
The African champions defeated their Asian counterparts 2-1 at a packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with Portuguese forward Nuno Santos scoring twice to secure the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and send Sundowns into the Challenger Cup.
The significance of the victory goes beyond another international trophy.
Sundowns are now just one match away from meeting the reigning European champions, Paris Saint-Germain, in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
PSG have already secured their place in the showpiece as UEFA Champions League winners, meaning the South African champions need only overcome their next opponent to set up a potentially historic meeting with the French giants.
Santos sends Sundowns through
Sundowns had to dig deep against an Al Ahli side packed with international quality, but Santos provided the decisive moments.
The winger opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising to meet Teboho Mokoena’s cross and heading the ball beyond goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Al Ahli levelled two minutes later when Feras Al Brikan’s effort deflected off Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and ended up in the net.
The contest remained evenly poised until the 80th minute.
Santos then delivered again, producing another powerful header to restore Sundowns’ lead and ultimately secure the 2-1 victory.
The road to PSG
Sundowns’ route to a possible final against PSG began with Al Ahli’s meeting with Auckland FC in Jeddah on 26 August.
Al Ahli defeated Auckland 1-0 to earn a trip to Pretoria, where Sundowns were waiting as the reigning African champions.
Sundowns have now eliminated Al Ahli and advanced to the Challenger Cup.
Their next opponent will come from the FIFA Derby of the Americas, where Concacaf champions Toluca will face the winners of the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The South American champion will only be confirmed after the Libertadores final in Montevideo on 28 November.
Whoever wins that clash will face Sundowns in the Challenger Cup.
And that match will carry enormous significance.
Win it, and Sundowns will face PSG in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
From African champions to the world stage
Sundowns entered the competition after winning the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, defeating AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate.
They have now added the African-Asian-Pacific Cup to their growing list of international achievements and are within touching distance of a global final.
The current Intercontinental Cup format brings together the champions of FIFA’s six confederations. PSG, as European champions, receive direct entry into the final, while the other continental champions must navigate the earlier stages.
Sundowns’ victory also continues Africa’s strong record in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Al Ahly won the inaugural edition in 2024, while Pyramids FC claimed the trophy in 2025. Both African clubs ultimately fell short of reaching the final.
