Sundowns face Al Ahli with a shot at PSG on the line
· The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns could take a step towards more silverware when they face Al Ahli on 19 September.
The African and Asian champions are set for a high-stakes clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
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If Sundowns win this game, they move closer to a meeting with European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Match details
Fixture: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahli SC
Competition: 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup second round (African-Asian-Pacific Cup)
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Kick-off time: 15:00 (SAST)
Referee: Sandro Schärer, a Swiss official who has experience in top-level competition, including the UEFA Nations League final and the FIFA World Cup.
What’s at stake at Loftus?
Masandawana earned a bye into the Intercontinental Cup’s second round after clinching the CAF Champions League trophy last season.
Al Ahli, meanwhile, welcomed Oceania champions Auckland FC to Jeddah in the first round, winning that clash 1-0.
The winner of the African-Asian-Pacific Cup moves on to the FIFA Challenger Cup.
If Sundowns get past Al Ahli, they face the winner between CONCACAF champions Deportivo Toluca and the 2026 Copa Libertadores champions, which will be decided in November.
European champions Paris Saint-Germain await the winner of the Challenger Cup, according to the Continental Cup website.
Al Ahli’s squad against Sundowns’ form
The Saudi Pro League giants have invested in competing at the highest level, but have also undergone a managerial shift.
9 of their players were named in national squads for the 2026 World Cup, including captain Edouard Mendy (Senegal), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Ivan Toney (England), and Ali Majrashi (Saudi Arabia).
Marino Pušić took over as coach in early August, with mixed results so far, according to Transfermarkt.
For Sundowns, the build-up to the clash in Pretoria has not been entirely smooth.
A week earlier, Masandawana were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Chippa United in the Premiership.
Coach Miguel Cardoso blamed the result on poor pitch conditions, according to SuperSport, after a late venue change.
The switch to the Buffalo City Stadium also impacted Sundowns’ preparation.
The bottom line for Bafana ba Style is that Saturday’s game is another chance to improve their continental standing.
A win over Al Ahli would take Sundowns one step closer to a clash with PSG that has relevance beyond just a financial return.
WHAT WILL BE THE RESULT WHEN SUNDOWNS FACE AL AHLI THIS WEEKEND?
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