Santos saves Williams’ blushes as Sundowns beat Al Ahli in FIFA Intercontinental Cup

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Santos saves Williams’ blushes as Sundowns beat Al Ahli in FIFA Intercontinental Cup
Nuno Santos of Mamelodi Sundowns

Nuno Santos’ brace was all Mamelodi Sundowns needed to beat Al Ahli 2-1 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday to advance to the next phase of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The defending CAF Champions League winners were aware they needed a result to make the next phase of the tournament. Coach Miguel Cardoso named his strongest possible XI, with new signing Thabang Matuludi making his debut.

The Saudi Pro League outfit equally named a strong team, given a chance, including former Chelsea custodian Edouard Mendy and Ivan Toney.

Williams blunders again!

Sundowns started the game well, dominating proceedings in early exchanges, but it wasn’t going to be easy against the experienced Asian champions, with players who have competed at the highest level.

The South African heavyweights took a lead in the 17th minute when he headed in a well-delivered ball by Teboho Mokoena.

However, a minute later, defensive lapses and pressure from Firas Al-Buraikan saw Ronwen Williams guide the ball into his own net to make it 1-1.

Brayan Leon’s effort in the 34th minute from Santo’s cross was well dealt with by Mendy, with Matuludi’s goal-bound effort also getting stopped by the Senegalese short-stopper.

The visitors also had an opportunity to get a second when Toney teed up Francisco Trincao for a curler, but he missed the target.

Santos wins it!

Al Ahli kicked off the second half with a high tempo, forcing Williams into a fine save in the 51st minute.

Moments later, the Brazilians were forced to make a change in the defensive unit. Grant Kekana was forced out due to an injury, paving the way for Malibongwe Khoza.

In the 66th minute, Aubrey Modiba played a wonderful cross that was won by Khulumani Ndamane, only that he couldn’t guide the ball home.

The miss mattered less as Santos got his brace with 10 minutes to go, as he dived to connect with a ball from former Polokwane City defender Matuludi to make it 2-1 in favour of the African champions.

Al Ahli pushed for the second goal, but Sundowns had done enough to secure progress to the next phase where they will face the winner between Toluca and a yet-to-be-named South African side.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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