Al Ahli SC captain Édouard Mendy has termed Mamelodi Sundowns as the best team in Africa and one of the best he’s ever faced.
Masandawana stunned the Asian champions 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup final on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane.
Mendy, 34, who recently called time on his international career with the Teranga Lions of Senegal, was displeased with how his charges did not execute their plan on the day.
He was however very complimentary of facing “the best team in Africa” and graciously accepting defeat.
“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 in his post-match interview on SuperSport TV.
“It is what it is. I’m proud of my team. I think we show good character and our spirit here in South Africa against the best team in Africa, definitely. One of the best teams I ever played.
“They have top quality, but we came here and we show our quality in our football.
“It was 50-50, it went on their side. Congrats to them.
“We gonna rest and focus on the second phase of the season.”
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