In Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns have carried African champions’ momentum into the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, beating Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli 2-1 to become the first side through to the semi-finals. The South African club are now one victory from a possible final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Sundowns claim the first semi-final place
- Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Al-Ahli 2-1 on Saturday in the Intercontinental Cup.
- The result sent the Pretoria side into the semi-finals as the first club to secure its place in that round.
- Sundowns will face the winner of the Derby of the Americas, involving Concacaf champions Toluca and the as-yet-undetermined Copa Libertadores winners.
- A win in that semi-final would take the African side into a final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The route has particular significance for Sundowns, who reached last year’s FIFA Club World Cup through the CAF ranking system. Their Intercontinental Cup place, however, came through silverware: they won the CAF Champions League for a second time in May.
Arthur Sales looks towards a possible Brazilian meeting
Brazilian striker Arthur Sales, Sundowns’ number nine, is already looking ahead to the next continental crossing. The Derby of the Americas could yet produce a Brazilian opponent, with the Copa Libertadores still to be decided.
Flamengo are due to meet Estudiantes in one Libertadores semi-final, while Fluminense and Palmeiras will contest the other. Sundowns have recent experience of facing Brazilian opposition, drawing 0-0 with Fluminense in the Club World Cup group stage last year.
“African football deserves respect”
Sales said the squad’s shared spirit had helped the club navigate the challenge of taking on teams from other continents.
“What we are experiencing is magical and brings enormous happiness,” he said. “We are very close, truly like a family. We understand how difficult it is to play against teams from other continents, but once again we are showing that African football has real quality, that its standard is high and that it deserves respect.
“I thank God for the opportunity, as well as my wife, my family, my team-mates and, naturally, the supporters, who always create a wonderful atmosphere. This time was no different.”
