Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahli will square off in the quarterfinal of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Saturday (September 19th). The game will be played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
The hosts are coming into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw away to Chippa United in the South African Premiership last weekend. Both goals were scored in the final 15 minutes, with Chippa’s Sirgio Kammies breaking the deadlock with practically his first touch in the 75th minute. Antonio van Wyk scored a dramatic equalizer for Sundowns deep into injury time.
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Al Ahli, meanwhile, also played out a 1-1 draw at home to Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League Elite. Their game also featured late goals, with the visitors taking the lead in the 86th minute, while Firas Al Buraikan equalized in injury time.
The Royals will shift their focus to the Intercontinental Cup and have secured their spot in the tournament thanks to their status as Asian champions. They eliminated Auckland FC in the last round to get to the quarterfinal. Sundowns are here as African champions.
The winner of this tie will face the winner of the tie between Toluca and the Copa Libertadores champions in the semifinal later in the year.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahli Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
- Sundowns are unbeaten in their last six games, winning five matches in this run.
- Four of Ahli’s last six competitive games have seen both sides find the back of the net.
- Five of Sundowns’ last six games across competitions have witnessed more goals scored in the second half than the first.
- Sundowns have won four of their five competitive home games this term (one loss).
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahli Prediction
Mamelodi Sundowns will be aiming to make the most of having home support behind them, and their home form will give their fans confidence that they can get the job done.
Al Ahli, for their part, would have been disappointed not to have kick-started their title defense on a winning note despite being heavy favorites against Pakhtakor. They have blown hot and cold this season.
However, they should still have enough firepower to claim a narrow victory here.
Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-2 Al Ahli
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahli Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Al Ahli to win
Tip 2 – Both teams to score
Tip 3 – Over 2.5 goals
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli
