León Sends Bold Warning To Al Ahli’s Superstars – “They’ll Be Thinking About Us Too”
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan León acknowledges Al Ahli SC’s superstar lineup, but insists the Asian champions will be equally wary when they face Africa’s reigning kingpins.
Sundowns host the Saudi Arabian giants in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup—a key stage of the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup in the quarter finals—at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Al Ahli’s squad boasts marquee international talent, including former Juventus defender Merih Demiral, England striker Ivan Toney, and former Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The Saudi side also features a Brazilian quartet of Roger Ibañez, Matheus Gonçalves, Galeno, and Ricardo Mathias, alongside Portugal forward Francisco Trincão and French midfielder Valentin Atangana.
Ahli enter the fixture having won back-to-back Asian Champions League titles. However, León believes the visitors will respect Sundowns’ pedigree, particularly at Loftus Versfeld, where the South African giants are unbeaten in over two years.
“We know the calibre of players they have at their disposal, the strength in depth of their squad, and the level and potential they possess. They’re Asian champions, and we’re African champions. They’ll be thinking about us as well,” Leon told the FIFA website.
León contributed five goals during Sundowns’ victorious Champions League campaign, taking his total tally to 18 goals in 35 matches since joining the club from Colombian side Deportivo Independiente Medellín in January transfer window.
It is an impressive strike rate of 0.51 goals per game, establishing him as Sundowns’ most clinical mid-season foreign signing since Peter Shalulile.
The Colombian forward also praised head coach Miguel Cardoso, who has spent nearly two years at the helm in Pretoria.
Cardoso, who previously coached in Portugal, Ukraine, France, and Tunisia, ended Sundowns’ 10-year wait for the CAF Champions League crown—delivering personal redemption after back-to-back final losses with Espérance de Tunis and Sundowns.
“The coach knows the African game like the back of his hand,” said Leon, who grew up idolising his compatriot Radamel Falcao.
“He’s reached three Champions League finals. He came out second-best on two occasions, but third time was the charm.
“Credit where credit’s due for the work he’s done. He’s one of the best coaches on the continent. He knows the game inside out and knows what it takes to be successful.
“We have to follow his lead. If he makes a mistake, we all make the same mistake. For me, he’s a top-drawer coach. I like him because he really understands the players.
“If you’re frustrated, he’ll come and have a chat with you, and the same goes if you’re not 100 per cent or you pick up a knock.
“He’s always looking out for you. When I first arrived, he’d call me to see how I was settling in, whether it was in the country, the city, my home or with the team. He was always willing to lend a hand with anything I needed.”
Should they advance, Sundowns will face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas—contended between Mexican side Toluca and the CONMEBOL Libertadores champions—for the opportunity to meet European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final later this year.
