Mokoena Targets PSG In FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena says the team is determined to face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final later this year.
Sundowns edged closer to that dream matchup against Europe’s elite after defeating Asian Champions League winners Al Ahli SC 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Mokoena’s impact was evident early on. In the 17th minute, he clipped a ball into the box from a short corner, allowing Nuno Santos to beat former Senegal international goalkeeper Edouard Mendy for the opening goal.
Two minutes later, Al Ahli leveled the score through an own goal. Ronwen Williams made an initial save, but the rebound struck him on the head and bounced into the net.
However, Sundowns came out as a different beast in the second half. Debutant Thabang Matuludi charged down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross for Santos, who headed past Mendy to secure his brace and seal victory in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
With this win, Sundowns advance to the FIFA Challenger Cup. There, they will face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas—contested between Mexican side Toluca and the eventual CONMEBOL Libertadores champions—for a spot in the final against PSG.
“I’m so happy,” Mokoena, who also scored the winner when Sundowns won the CAF Champions League last season, told Sundowns media.
“We want to play against PSG. No, we really want to play against PSG. I think we have set the standard, and that is where we deserve to be.”
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso admitted that starting his fellow Portuguese native, Santos, was a gamble that paid off, while the attacker credited his teammates for the result.
“I didn’t do this alone,” Santos said.
“We did this all together; it is always like that. Saturday was a happy day for me because I scored twice, but it was a team effort. I don’t want any individual credit—I’m just happy for the team.”
Following the FIFA international break, Sundowns’ next target is the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on 10 October.
While the PSL has yet to confirm the venue, sources indicate an official announcement will be made this week.
In addition to the MTN8, Santos emphasized the squad’s desire to reclaim the league title from Pirates and the CAF Champions League.
“We have already proven that we are a great team that can achieve things people can only imagine, so naturally, we want more,” Santos said. “We want the Champions League again; we are still hungry.”
