Al Ahli captain and former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy couldn’t hide his respect for Mamelodi Sundowns following their high-stakes FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The UEFA Champions League winner was between the sticks as the Saudi Pro League outfit suffered a 2-1 defeat in Pretoria. A double from Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos secured the 2026 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup title for Miguel Cardoso’s side, sending the Brazilians through to the next stage of the tournament.
Santos opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising highest to head home a precise Teboho Mokoena delivery. Al Ahli equalised just two minutes later when Firas Al-Buraikan’s effort deflected off Ronwen Williams into the net, but Santos sealed the victory ten minutes from time, turning in a cross from debutant Thabang Matuludi.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, the AFCON-winning goalkeeper admitted his disappointment with the result while praising Masandawana’s tactical discipline and technical quality.
‘BEST IN AFRICA’ – ÉDOUARD MENDY ON MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AFTER LOFTUS CLASH
Mendy went on to label the former PSL champions as “definitely the best team in Africa” and one of the toughest opponents he has encountered in his career.
“A lot of disappointment. I think we played a great game, but it’s a final—it’s about details, set-pieces, and focus. In front, I think we could’ve killed the game in the first half. It is what it is, and I’m proud of my team,” Mendy said.
“I think we showed good character and our spirit here in South Africa against the best team in Africa, definitely.
“They are one of the best teams I have ever played against. They have top quality, but we came here and showed the quality in our football too. It was 50-50, and it went on their side. Congrats to them.”
The victory sets up a showdown against the winner of the Derby of the Americas between Mexican side Toluca and their South American counterparts, with the victor advancing to face European champions Paris Saint-Germain [PSG] in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup
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