How Sundowns Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Al Ahli in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 17 Sep 2026

John Eastwood 17 Sep 2026

Share this article

Sundowns face Al Ahli on 19 Sept 2026 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The predicted XI includes a possible debutant in defence; Williams, Mokoena & Allende are key starters.
Coach Cardoso likely uses a 4-2-3-1 formation with Leon leading the attack.

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to play a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Al Ahli on Saturday (Getty Images).

Mamelodi Sundowns faces Al Ahli in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 at 15:00 SAST on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
GOALKEEPER
DEFENCE
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
ATTACK

Below you can find the predicted starting XI for Mamelodi Sundowns.

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams is a certain starter for this match. He saved a penalty in the CAF Champions League final and will be crucial in this match.

DEFENCE

The defence will be below full strength. Arguably their two best defenders are out injured.

Khuliso Mudau is absent at right back after a ruptured Achilles. Keanu Cupido is still recovering from surgery. Sundowns have signed two new right backs in Deano Van Rooyen and Thabang Matuludi.

The latter is in line for his debut, but the experienced Thapelo Morena could get the nod instead. Aubrey Modiba will start at left back and the central defensive pairing is set to be Grant Kekana and Khulumani Ndamane.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende are certain starters in the engine room.

Sundowns are expected to use an attacking 4-2-3-1 system. If coach Miguel Cardoso switches to a 4-3-3-, then the defensive-minded Bathusi Aubaas would come into the XI.

ATTACK

There are plenty of options in attack for coach Miguel Cardoso. Brayan Leon is a certain starter in the number nine role and Tashreeq Matthews will start down the left.

Cassius Mailula is likely to be in the number ten role as Nuno Santos has been struggling with off-field issues. Arthur Sales is still on the mend after having surgery.

The final spot could go to Siyanda Ndlovu, who has excelled down the right since signing from Golden Arrows. Another option could be to start Morena as a right winger, with Matuludi starting at right back.

Predicted lineup in full (4-2-3-1 formation):

Ronwen Williams - Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba - Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena - Siyanda Ndlovu, Cassius Mailula, Tashreeq Matthews - Brayan Leon.

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.