Mamelodi Sundowns are officially heading to Qatar in December for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after booking their spot in what is effectively the tournament’s semi-final.
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How did Mamelodi Sundowns score a trip to Qatar?
Masandawana secured their ticket to the ‘semi-finals’ with their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup at Loftus Versfeld last month, thanks to a clinical brace from Nuno Santos.
The Chloorkop outfit will now enter the FIFA Challenger Cup on 12 December at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Rayyan.
They are set to face the winners of the Derby of the Americas, a high-stakes tie between CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Toluca FC and the eventual 2026 Copa Libertadores champions.
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Mamelodi Sundowns 1 match away from facing PSG in the final
Should Sundowns navigate that massive hurdle, a historic final against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain awaits them on 16 December at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
PSG were given a direct pass to the final, and are currently the hottest team on the globe while Mamelodi Sundowns are undoubtedly the strongest team in Africa at the moment.
A potential showdown between the two champions would mark a defining moment for South African football, and frankly will be something worth celebrating regardless of the result.
Masandawana have not only invested heavily in their squad and technical team, but have developed a playing style capable of going toe-to-toe with just about any team and it showed against the star-studded Al Ahli Saudi Club in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Before that though, a massive test of character awaits on 12 December when they face the American champions.
Featured image: Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu
Originally published by Soccermag.
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