Preview - FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) v Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

FIFA Intercontinental Cup
Preview - FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns v Al Ahli Saudi FC
Fri, 18 September, 2026

Pretoria: Al Ahli Saudi FC will be aiming to continue their pursuit of global glory when they face African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on Saturday.

The AFC Champions League Elite™ holders earned their place in the showdown after defeating Oceania champions Auckland FC 1-0 in Jeddah last month, with Saleh Abu Al Shamat scoring the decisive goal in the 63rd minute.

Victory in Pretoria would see Al Ahli lift the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and advance to the FIFA Challenger Cup, leaving the Saudi Arabian side one further win away from a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 final against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Al Ahli had to show patience against Auckland, with head coach Marino Pusic’s side dominating possession but finding the New Zealand outfit difficult to break down before Abu Al Shamat struck following Eduard Spertsyan’s run and cutback.

The two-time Asian champions will now face a different challenge against a Sundowns side playing on home soil and entering the competition as reigning African champions.

The South African outfit, coached by Miguel Cardoso, are known for their possession-based approach and technical quality in midfield and will be looking to make home advantage count at Loftus Versfeld.

Sundowns head into Saturday's contest following a 1-1 domestic league draw with Chippa United, while Al Ahli will be seeking to build on the resilience they displayed in overcoming Auckland.

With continental pride and a trophy at stake, Pusic’s side will be determined to take another significant step in a campaign which began with their AFC Champions League Elite™ triumph in March this year and could yet end with the Saudi Arabian club challenging for global honours.

Mamelodi Sundowns v Al Ahli Saudi FC

Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Kick-off: Saturday, 15:00 (UTC+02:00)

Preview - FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns v Al Ahli Saudi FC

R16: DPR Korea 2-0 Japan

AG (W): Giants march on

Group G: Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN) 2-1 Tampines Rovers FC (SGP)

Group H: Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM) 2-1 Kuching City FC (MAS)

Group H: Kitchee SC (HKG) 0-0 Gangwon FC (KOR)