Mamelodi Sundowns captured the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup after beating Al Ahli 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, on Saturday.
The African champions secured the primary trophy of the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup marketing campaign and superior to the FIFA Challenger Cup, transferring one step nearer to a possible last in opposition to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Nuno Santos was the hero for Sundowns, scoring a header in every half to settle a intently contested encounter in entrance of a capability dwelling crowd.
Sundowns took an early lead by way of Santos, however Al Ahli shortly restored parity when Feras Al Brikan’s effort deflected off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams earlier than crossing the road.
Each side continued to create probabilities in an open contest, however Santos struck once more after the break, guiding one other header into the web to seal victory for the hosts.
The consequence ended Al Ahli’s marketing campaign following their 1-0 victory over Auckland FC within the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific play-off.
Sundowns will subsequent face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas, which pits CONCACAF Champions Cup holders Toluca in opposition to the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores champions. The South American champions might be topped in Montevideo, Uruguay, on November 28.
The winner of the FIFA Challenger Cup will advance to the ultimate in opposition to UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, who lifted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup trophy final December.
The ultimate three matches of the competitors might be performed in a single host nation, which FIFA will affirm at a later date.
