Nuno Santos scored two goals as Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Pretoria on Saturday. This win helped Sundowns move forward in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

By winning the African-Asian-Pacific Cup, Sundowns will now face the winner of the match between Toluca from Mexico and a yet-to-be-named team from South America.

The winner of that game will move on to the Challenger Cup, where they could compete against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Sundowns took the lead in the 17th minute when Santos headed in a cross from Teboho Mokoena into the top corner, beating Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. This was Santos’ first goal of the 2026/27 season after he scored five goals and made 11 assists last season.

Al Ahli equalised just two minutes later when Ivan Toney crossed the ball to Firas Al Buraikan. Williams saved the initial shot, but the ball bounced back off him and went into the net.

Al Ahli continued to pose a threat, nearly taking the lead when Toney found Trincao, but Trincao’s shot went wide. They were given a penalty when Toney was brought down by Williams, but the referee overturned the decision after ruling Toney was offside.

Sundowns also had chances to regain the lead. Midway through the second half, Khulumani Ndamane sent a close-range free-kick from Aubrey Modiba over the bar.

The winning goal came in the 80th minute when debutant Thabang Matuludi crossed the ball to Santos, who headed it home to complete his brace and put Sundowns back in front.

Sundowns held on to win the game and continue their journey in the competition.

Last year, Paris Saint-Germain won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and received $5 million in prize money. Flamengo, the runners-up, got $4 million, while Pyramids FC, who were knocked out in the Challenger Cup, received $2 million.