Overview
- Sundowns will host Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia at Loftus Versfeld with kickoff scheduled for Saturday, 19 September at 3pm in the Intercontinental Cup second round.
- Saudi paper Arriyadiyah, as reported by multiple outlets, says defenders Khuliso Mudau and Keanu Cupido and forward Arthur Sales will miss the match through injury, a report the club has not fully confirmed.
- Coach Miguel Cardoso and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams have stressed concentration and continental responsibility, with Cardoso framing the game as a chance to represent South Africa and Williams warning of the technical threat posed by Al Ahli.
- Al Ahli arrive with high-profile internationals such as Edouard Mendy, Ivan Toney and Merih Demiral and have expressed confidence despite mixed recent results, with coach Marino Pušić and players saying they are prepared for Loftus’ atmosphere.
- The tie is a knockout step on the Intercontinental Cup pathway that can lead to the late-year Challenge Cup and a potential December final against the European champion, so the winner keeps their global campaign alive.