Mamelodi Sundowns have made history by claiming the African-Asian-Pacific Cup trophy after a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli at a packed Loftus stadium. The win also booked a place in the next round where they will play the winner of the Derby of the Americas between Mexico’s Toluca and the winner of the Copa Libertadores. If they get through their next match, they will compete for the title with European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final to be played later in the year.
The match was a significant box ticked for coach Miguel Cardoso who has a complicated relationship with Sundowns supporters. Cardoso made some surprising choices in his starting line-up by giving Bafana Bafana defender Thabang Matuludi his debut barely two weeks after completing his transfer from Polokwane City. Matuludi, who had not played competitively since the end of last season, was employed at right back and returned with an assist.
Sundowns went ahead after 17 minutes when Nuno Santos beat defender Valentin Atangana in the air to connect with a telling cross from Teboho Mokoena and beat Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy between the poles. However, Sundowns’ lead did not last long as Faras Albrikan forced Williams to push the ball into his own net after his defence was found napping to allow the visitors to silence the crowd.
Al-Ahli came back stronger in the second half as they forced Sundowns into numerous glaring mistakes but their attackers Francisco Trincão, Eduard Spertsyan and Firas Al Buraikan could not punish Sundowns. In one of those desperate attempts to clear the danger at the back, Grant Kekana hurt himself around the hour mark and wobbled off the field to be replaced by Malibongwe Khoza.
Sundowns had a good spell after the 70th minute where they put Al-Ahli under pressure with Mokoena, Marcelo Allende and Santos controlling the tempo of the match and Matthews, Matuludi and Aubrey Modiba creating problems on the sides. This pressure eventually paid off when Matuludi delivered a pin-point cross to Santos who connected with a bullet header to give Mendy no chance.
The win was a significant boost to Sundowns' reputation in world football and marked a successful return to the global stage after featuring in the Fifa Club World Cup last year. The team was led by standout performers including Santos, who scored a brace, debutant Matuludi, Allende and Mokoena.
There was a lively atmosphere before the game with South African 100m sprint star Akani Simbine presenting the trophy and popular musician Sjava performing some of his hit songs. The win sparked wild celebrations among the Sundowns players and fans, who were ecstatic about the team's achievement.
Key points
- Sundowns will play the winner of the Derby of the Americas between Mexico’s Toluca and the winner of the Copa Libertadores in the next round.
- Coach Miguel Cardoso made a tactical masterpiece by giving Bafana Bafana defender Thabang Matuludi his debut.
- Nuno Santos scored a brace, including a bullet header, to seal the win for Sundowns.
