“In The History Books Forever”: Cardoso Hails Sundowns’ Epic Giant-Slaying Of Al Ahli
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes his side’s historic victory over Al Ahli SC will stand the test of time after booking a semi-final spot in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Nuno Santos scored twice with headers in either half to seal a 2–1 win for the PSL champions. An unfortunate own goal by Ronwen Williams briefly brought the Saudi side level in the first half, but the reigning CAF Champions League winners held firm to lift the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup title on Saturday.
Sundowns now advance to face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas—contested between Mexican outfit Toluca and the CONMEBOL Libertadores champions—for a place in the final against European champions Paris Saint-Germain later this year in Qatar.
Sundowns’ triumph came against formidable financial odds. Al Ahli’s star-studded roster carries a market valuation of €193.90 million—over four times Sundowns’ €41.60 million squad value. The Saudi Pro League side fielded top international talent, including former Juventus defender Merih Demiral, England striker Ivan Toney, and former Senegal shot-stopper Édouard Mendy, who won the 2021 UEFA Champions League with Chelsea and the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, an emotional Cardoso hailed his team’s humility and pride:
“It is important that we respect the game,” Cardoso said.
“But we don’t respect anyone; don’t take me wrong. I mean, respect what is happening on the pitch, fight hard when you don’t have the ball, and be humble for that. But show pride, be proud and be yourself.
“I said I wanted the Sundowns on the pitch today [Saturday], and we had it. Thank you very much, South Africa. Thank you very much, Mamelodi Sundowns. This one is for these beautiful people here, all of them, our chairman, the players, Mr Flemming Berg, and in the difficult moments as well.
“And let’s embrace it all together because this is a fantastic victory. It is a big, big, big one, this one, and it will stay in the history forever.”
Paris Saint-Germain won the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and received $5 million in prize money, while runners-up Flamengo received $4 million. Pyramids FC, who were eliminated in the Challenger Cup, received $2 million.
