Mamelodi Sundowns FC fell to a 2-0 defeat against Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal in a pre-season friendly match held in Austria on Friday, July 25, 2026. Brazilian winger Malcom was the star of the show, scoring both goals to secure victory for the Saudi champions.
What happened in the match?
Al-Hilal dominated proceedings from the start, with Malcom opening the scoring in the first half. The Brazilian latched onto a superb pass from Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic before slotting past the Sundowns goalkeeper. Malcom doubled his tally in the second half, turning home a cross from new signing Sabri Dahal to seal the win.
This was Malcom's third goal in two pre-season friendlies for Al-Hilal, having also scored in their 2-1 victory over Austria's Sturm Graz earlier in the camp. The Brazilian's impressive form has been a highlight of Al-Hilal's preparations for the new 2026-2027 season.
Why this matters for Mamelodi Sundowns FC
While the result may not carry much weight in the grand scheme of things, it serves as a reminder of the quality Sundowns will face when they return to competitive action. The African champions will be looking to bounce back when they begin their Betway Premiership title defense later this year.
The match also provided an opportunity for Sundowns to test themselves against top-level opposition ahead of the new campaign. Manager Rulani Mokwena will be hoping his side can learn from this experience and improve as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
What comes next for both teams?
Al-Hilal will continue their pre-season preparations with two more friendlies in Austria, facing MC Alger on July 29 and Qatar's Al-Ahli on August 3. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns FC will return to South Africa to fine-tune their preparations for the new Betway Premiership season, which is set to kick off in early August.
