Nuno Santos brace sends Mamelodi Sundowns into next round of FIFA Intercontinental Cup

The Brazilians had to withstand periods of pressure from the Saudi Arabian side, but Santos proved to be the difference between the two teams after scoring once in each half with his head.

Al Ahli made the brighter start and came close to taking an early lead when Ziya Aljohani was played through with only Ronwen Williams to beat. However, the midfielder could not find the target as his effort went wide.

Sundowns made the visitors pay for that missed opportunity in the 17th minute.

Teboho Mokoena delivered a quality cross into the area and Santos rose above the Al Ahli defence to head the ball past Edouard Mendy and give the hosts the advantage.

The lead was short-lived, though, with Al Ahli responding almost immediately.

Ivan Toney broke down the left before delivering a dangerous ball into the box. Feras Al-Buraikan's effort took a deflection off Williams and ended up in the back of the net, leaving the sides level.

Both teams had opportunities to regain the lead before the interval, with Brayan Leon testing Mendy with a header as Sundowns looked to regain control of the contest.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with Al Ahli threatening while Sundowns searched for openings in the final third.

Williams was forced into another important save, while Khulumi Ndamase came close for the hosts in the 66th minute when his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Sundowns eventually found the breakthrough in the 80th minute.

Another well-delivered cross allowed Santos to rise once again, and the forward produced a powerful header to complete his brace and restore the Brazilians’ lead.

Al Ahli threw numbers forward late on, but Sundowns defended resolutely to protect their advantage.

Bathusi Aubaas nearly added a third in stoppage time, only for Mendy to deny him with a strong save.

Sundowns held on to claim a memorable victory and advance to the next stage of the competition.