UEFA Champions League Winner Names Mamelodi Sundowns As Africa’s Best Club
- Al Ahli SC captain Édouard Mendy made a bold declaration about Mamelodi Sundowns after the 2026 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup final
- Mamelodi Sundowns defeated the Asian champions Al Ahli SC 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane on Saturday, September 19, 2026
- A football analyst during an exclusive interview with Briefly News weighed in on Mendy's comments, pointing to Sundowns' continental record as proof
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Al Ahli SC captain Édouard Mendy heaped praise on Mamelodi Sundowns following his side's 2-1 defeat to the South African giants in the 2026 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
Despite the loss, the 34-year-old former Chelsea goalkeeper — and UEFA Champions League winner — did not shy away from acknowledging what he encountered on the pitch, describing the Brazilians as "the best team in Africa" and among the finest opponents he has faced throughout his career.
Mendy praises Sundowns after final defeat
Speaking in his post-match interview on SuperSport TV, Mendy expressed frustration at how his team failed to capitalise on their chances in the first half but reserved genuine admiration for the opposition.
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"A lot of disappointment. I think we play a great game, but it's a final; it's about details, set-pieces, focus and in front, I think we could've killed the game in the first half," he said.
"It is what it is. I'm proud of my team. I think we showed good character and our spirit here in South Africa against the best team in Africa, definitely. One of the best teams I ever played."
Mendy, who recently retired from international duty with Senegal, added that the contest was evenly matched and acknowledged that fortune ultimately favoured Masandawana.
"It was 50-50; it went on their side. Congrats to them. We're gonna rest and focus on the second phase of the season," he said.
Analyst backs Mendy's assessment of Sundowns
Football analyst and Mamelodi Sundowns supporter Themba Modise told Briefly News he agreed with the goalkeeper's verdict.
"I agree with Mendy; we might not be the defending champions in the Betway Premiership, but we are by some distance the best club in Africa," Modise said.
He pointed to the club's sustained dominance on the continent as evidence.
"Check our performance in the last four to five seasons in continental football; you would see the evidence of what I am talking about, not to mention dominating the league for eight consecutive seasons," he added.
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Source: Briefly News
