Slick Sundowns win another international crown to edge closer to facing PSG

At Loftus Versfeld

Miguel Cardoso sprinted across the Loftus Versfeld Stadium with the energy of a toddler on a sugar high.

The Mamelodi Sundowns coach passionately hugged Ronwen Williams and then performed Brayan Leon’s celebration in front of the Colombian. The Portuguese coach wasn’t on cloud nine, but a level higher than that after masterminding Sundowns’ 2-1 win over Al-Ahli Saudi on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The win gives Sundowns the right to claim being the best side not only in Africa but Asia and even the Pacific region after dethroning the Saudi Arabian juggernaut that is Al-Ahli.

The Saudis were defending the pride of Asia, as their reigning champions. They added a feather to their cap when they beat New Zealand’s Auckland City in the FIFA Asia-Pacific Cup to set up a date with Sundowns.

The Brazilians reigned supreme in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup to move within touching distance of facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup. But to get there, Sundowns have to get past either the North American or South American champions in a yet to be decided tie.

Sundowns revelled on the occasion of the world stage they were granted its access by virtue of being African champions.

The supporters, who spent a decade of disappointment and dread before the delirium that engulfed Masandawana in May, enjoyed the perks of their hard-fought Champions League crown.

Masandawana packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the game that was more of a celebration than a contest. The fact that Sundowns had won a massive title to be here, fighting for the African-Asian-Pacific Cup, meant that the anxiety of finals wasn’t in the air.

The atmosphere was celebratory, starting with the pre-match entertainment of Sjava that