PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns are set to welcome Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli Saudi FC to Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on September 19 in a major clash on the international football calendar. The encounter will form part of the inaugural FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, bringing together champions from different regions in a new pathway towards the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The fixture was confirmed after Al Ahli secured victory over Auckland FC, setting up the highly anticipated Pretoria showdown. For Sundowns, the match represents an opportunity to test their continental pedigree against one of Asia’s leading clubs on home soil. Al Ahli, meanwhile, will arrive with ambitions of progressing further on the global stage after overcoming their previous opponent. The winner of the Pretoria encounter will advance directly to the FIFA Intercontinental Challenger Cup, raising the stakes for what promises to be a closely contested meeting. Loftus Versfeld is expected to provide a passionate home atmosphere as Sundowns seek to use their familiarity with the venue and support from South African football fans to their advantage. The match also represents a significant moment for African football, providing a platform for the continent’s champions to compete against elite opposition from outside Africa. With progression to the next stage at stake, both teams will have little margin for error when they meet in Pretoria on September 19.
