Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams is already feeling the magnitude of Saturday’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup showdown against Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli at Loftus Versfeld.
“Just speaking about it gives me goosebumps. It is the African champions against the Asian champions—it is massive.”
Al Ahli booked their ticket to South Africa after edging Auckland FC 1–0 in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup play-off in Jeddah on Wednesday.
Substitute Saleh Abu Al Shamat delivered the decisive moment in the 63rd minute, converting Eduard Spertsyan’s cut-back to break Auckland’s resistance. The New Zealand champions’ hopes of a comeback faded when Sam Cosgrove was shown a late red card.
Although Al Ahli were made to work for the victory, the AFC Champions League Elite winners demonstrated their ability to strike at the right moment and protect a narrow advantage.
Williams knows Sundowns will face a star-studded opponent featuring players accustomed to football’s biggest stages, including England striker Ivan Toney and Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
“They have high-quality players—players of stature and legendary players. We know it is going to be a very difficult game.”
Facing Mendy will be particularly special for the Bafana Bafana captain.
“I have watched his career and seen him achieve amazing things with Senegal. What he has done for goalkeeping has been amazing. It will be good to finally face him.”
Al Ahli possess considerable attacking quality, while Masandawana will rely on their patient possession game, midfield control and famous “shoeshine and piano” style.
The Brazilians will also take lessons from Al Ahli’s narrow victory over Auckland: at this level, one clinical moment can decide everything.
“You are not going to get many chances, so when you get one, you must bury it.”
The winner of the 19 September clash will lift the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and advance further along the Intercontinental Cup pathway, which ultimately leads to a potential meeting with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Williams expects an attacking contest—and wants Loftus transformed into a yellow fortress and also has a message to the Sundowns faithful.
“It is going to be an open game. It is a cup final, both teams want to win, and the winner takes the trophy.”
“Masandawana must come out in numbers. This game deserves a packed stadium. Let us get that first trophy and celebrate together.”
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
