African champions Mamelodi Sundowns will face Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli Jeddah in the second round of the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on September 19.
The Brazilians will host the Saudi outfit, who reached the second round after edging Oceania Football Confederation Professional League champions Auckland FC 1-0 in Jeddah on Wednesday. Pitso Mosimane previously coached Al Ahli between September 2022 and June 2023.
Masandawana received a first-round bye and will begin their campaign in the second round, also known as the FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup. The winner of this stage will qualify for the play-off round, also known as the FIFA Challenger Cup.
Sundowns will push to reach the Challenger Cup, where they will meet the other second-round victor: either 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Deportivo Toluca FC of Mexico or the 2026 Copa Libertadores champions.
Should the Tshwane giants pass this phase, they will reach December’s final where European champions Paris Saint-Germain will be waiting for the Challenger Cup winner.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS OUT TO MAKE A MARK ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE
It is the first time for the Brazilians to take part in the FIFA Continental Cup, which is in its third edition. They will be hoping to enjoy home advantage in this one-legged second-round affair against the Asian champions.
Sundowns will hope their recent experience on the global stage will carry them into the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. They were at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup before being crowned CAF Champions League champions last season, enhancing their international appeal.
They come up against Al Ahli, who are captained by Senegal and former Chelsea goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy. England and FIFA World Cup forward Ivan Toney also features on the Saudi outfit’s books.
Bosnian coach Marino Pusic joined Al Ahli in early August and has so far been in charge of three games.
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