Mamelodi Sundowns claimed the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup after beating Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli 2-1 in Pretoria on Saturday, with Nuno Santos scoring both goals for the African champions.
Santos opened the scoring after 17 minutes, but Al Ahli levelled just two minutes later when Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams conceded an own goal.
The match remained evenly poised until the 80th minute when Santos struck again, heading a Thabang Matuludi cross beyond Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to secure the victory.
Speaking at the FIFA press conference after the match, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso dedicated the triumph to the memory of Jaden Adams, saying the team had promised to honour him throughout their journey.
I want to leave today a special word in the memory of Jaden Adams. I think it’s a fantastic moment to honour him today, dedicate this medal obviously to his soul. He’s always with us. He’s always with me,” Cardoso said.
“I have to confess to you that I struggled a lot with his death. And we promised ourselves that the best thing we could do is fight together to honour him throughout our journey together. Today was an important step on that way.”
Cardoso also paid tribute to families who had lost loved ones and the injured Khuliso Mudau, who had played an important role in Sundowns’ journey.
The Portuguese coach praised the club’s leadership, technical staff and players for their contribution to the victory, while emphasising the importance of unity within the squad.
I wrote today on the locker room that no one would win this trophy if they could not be as one. That we had to stick to ourselves,” he said.
Cardoso said he had urged his players to represent Sundowns with pride while respecting the game and their opponents.
I told them that they shouldn’t pay respect to anyone but they should respect the game. It means that they should play with the pride of being Sundowns, trying to put Sundowns on the pitch permanently, with respect of the game and when you respect the game, you respect your opponent.”
He also praised Al Ahli despite their defeat, describing them as a club with “fantastic players and a fantastic coaching staff”.
They are not losers today because they have a big journey until they arrive on this day. They are winners also today. They just didn’t win this match today,” Cardoso said.
The CAF Champions League title-holders now face Mexican club Toluca or the South American champions in the next stage of the Intercontinental Cup.
The winner will meet Paris Saint-Germain in the final, with all three remaining matches set to be played at a venue and dates still to be announced.
Santos was an unlikely hero after scoring only twice during the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
This was a big win for us. I am part of a team capable of achieving anything. We want more success,” Santos said.
The 27-year-old added that Sundowns had studied Al Ahli thoroughly and were not intimidated by the Saudi side, despite their squad featuring six players who were at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mendy lamented Al Ahli’s missed opportunities, particularly in the first half when England striker Ivan Toney caused problems for the Sundowns defence.
We should have built a winning lead by halftime. Congratulations to Sundowns for showing a lot of character,” said the former Chelsea goalkeeper.