Overview
- Goal.com, citing Saudi paper Arriyadiyah, reported on Thursday that Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido and Arthur Sales will miss Sundowns' qualifier against Al‑Ahli, though those injury reports are sourced secondarily and labelled limited.
- The injuries reported include a complete Achilles rupture for Mudau, ongoing recovery from shoulder surgery for Cupido, and a shoulder issue for Sales that dates to July, removing regular options in defence and attack.
- Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams told FIFA's official site that the tie will be a difficult test against Al‑Ahli's World Cup‑experienced players and stressed the need for concentration to avoid costly mistakes.
- The qualifier is scheduled as the Africa, Asia and Pacific Cup fixture in FIFA's Intercontinental Cup, with the winner progressing further in the tournament's pathway toward the late‑year stages.
- Despite the reported absences, Sundowns enter the match on strong domestic form as league leaders and MTN8 finalists, but the club may need tactical changes and new starters that could affect rotation for upcoming fixtures including the October domestic clash with Orlando Pirates.