Mamelodi Sundowns have little time to recover and regroup before facing Asian champions Al Ahli Saudi FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
The South African champions’ preparations have been complicated by a demanding domestic schedule and a late venue change for their Premiership clash with Chippa United.
Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United in King William’s Town, with coach Miguel Cardoso unhappy with the condition of the Buffalo City Stadium pitch.
The team only returned to Johannesburg on Sunday morning, leaving the technical staff with limited time to prepare for a high-profile meeting with Al Ahli.
The Saudi Arabian side arrives with considerable continental pedigree after winning the AFC Champions League Elite. Their victory over Auckland City secured their place in the Intercontinental Cup showdown with Sundowns.
For Sundowns, the match represents an opportunity to test themselves against one of Asia’s strongest clubs and move closer to the latter stages of FIFA’s global competition.
The winner will advance to face either Mexican club Toluca or the South American champions in the semi-final, while European champions Paris Saint-Germain have already secured their place in the final.
Sundowns will also have to contend with an Al Ahli side boasting significant attacking quality and international experience.
Swiss referee Sandro Schärer has been appointed to officiate the match, with Stéphane De Almeida and Jonas Erni named as his assistants.
With little room for recovery and preparation, Sundowns will need to quickly put their domestic setback behind them as they turn their attention to one of their biggest international tests of the season.