Sundowns beat Al-Ahli to win Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup — TimesLIVE
South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli 2-1 in Pretoria to win the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup as part of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The match took place on September 19 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
As TimesLIVE reports, Nuno Santos scored a brace. The midfielder opened the scoring in the 17th minute, heading in a cross from Teboho Mokoena and beating goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Nuno Santos scores twice
Al-Ahli soon equalised: Firas Al-Buraikan forced Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to put the ball into his own net. Before the break, Williams also saved a close-range header from Francisco Trincao.
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In the second half, the Saudi team caused problems for the hosts' defence, but Trincao, Eduard Spertsyan and Al-Buraikan failed to convert their chances. Around the 60th minute, Sundowns defender Grant Kekana left the pitch through injury and was replaced by Malibongwe Khoza.
Next opponent will be determined in the Derby of the Americas
Sundowns scored the winning goal in the 78th minute. Debutant Thabang Matuludi delivered an accurate cross from the flank, and Santos headed the ball into Mendy's net. It was Matuludi's first match for the club after joining from Polokwane City less than two weeks earlier.
Thanks to the victory, Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the next round of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the Derby of the Americas between Mexico's Toluca and the Copa Libertadores holders. If they win once more, the team will play reigning UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
