Mamelodi Sundowns produced a memorable performance at a packed Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, defeating Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli 2–1 to lift the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos was the hero for the Brazilians, scoring both goals in a hard-fought encounter.
Santos opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful header from a Teboho Mokoena cross. Al Ahli responded almost immediately, with a goal credited as an own goal to Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
With the match finely balanced, Santos struck again in the 80th minute, heading home a superb cross to send the Loftus crowd into celebration.
The victory sees Sundowns advance to the FIFA Challenger Cup, where they will face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas between Mexican side Toluca and the 2026 Copa Libertadores champions.
Victory in that match would put Sundowns into the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
For Pretoria, it was another special day of international football, and for Sundowns, making history once more.
The Jalalpor Family Flies the Al Ahli Flag in the Loftus Stands
