Mamelodi Sundowns have moved a step closer to achieving a historic milestone in international football after defeating Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli 2-1 in Pretoria to win the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

The victory has secured the South African champions a place in the next stage of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar, where they will have an opportunity to compete for a prestigious international title.

Under the guidance of head coach Miguel Cardoso, the Brazilians have already demonstrated their ability to compete against opponents from outside Africa. However, their ambitions extend beyond winning the African-Asian-Pacific Cup, as they now have their sights set on a potential FIFA Intercontinental Cup triumph.

Sundowns are scheduled to return to action on 12 December, when they will face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas. The match will feature Mexican side Toluca FC and the champions of South America's CONMEBOL competition.

The encounter will take place at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar, with a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final up for grabs.

For Cardoso and his players, winning the semi-final would represent another significant achievement. However, they must first overcome their next opponents before turning their attention to the possibility of facing European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Should Sundowns emerge victorious in the semi-final, they will meet PSG in the final scheduled for 16 December at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.

A potential showdown against the French giants would give the Brazilians an opportunity to measure themselves against one of Europe's leading clubs on the international stage.

PSG would present a formidable challenge, but Sundowns could enter the contest with confidence if they successfully navigate the semi-final. Winning the tournament would also place the South African side in contention to become the first African club to win a FIFA senior men's club world title.

For South African football, such an achievement would be a major moment, bringing further international recognition to the domestic game and highlighting the progress of African club football.

Nevertheless, Sundowns cannot afford to underestimate their next opponents. Their immediate priority remains securing a semi-final victory before they can seriously consider a meeting with PSG.

The 2-1 win over Al Ahli has given the Brazilians an important opportunity to pursue international glory. With two more victories potentially separating them from the ultimate prize, Sundowns now have a chance to write a new chapter in the history of South African football.

Whether they can complete the journey will depend on their performances against two challenging opponents in Qatar.

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