The hero of the evening is Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos, who scored both goals. The first goal came after 17 minutes, when Sundowns took the lead after Santos headed home a cross from Teboho Mokoena.

Al Ahli responded immediately, as Feras Al Brikan’s shot deflected off Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and over the line. The teams went to the shed at half-time on 1-1, and both teams came out swinging in the second half.  But in the 78th minute, Santos once again created a bit of magic, heading home a superb cross from debutant Thaban Matuludi.

After the match, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso had nothing but praise for his team. “I said I wanted the real Mamelodi Sundowns on the pitch today, and we delivered. Thank you very much, South Africa; thank you very much, Mamelodi Sundowns. 

“This victory is for all these beautiful people here. Let’s embrace it together because this is a fantastic victory. It is a big, big one, and it will stay in the history books forever.” 

African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Facebook/Mamelodi Sundowns

The victory means the South Africans will advance to the next round of the competition, the Challenger Cup, where they will face the winners of the Derby of the Americas. Concacaf Champion Cupholders Toluca will face Libertadores in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Saturday, 28 November.

The winners of the Challenger Cup will advance to face the winner of the Intercontinental Cup 2026 final. The final three matches of the competition will be played in one host country, which will be confirmed in due course.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg