Mamelodi Sundowns Win African Champions League Title
By Akpo Esco
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned champions of the CAF Champions League after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to AS FAR in Rabat, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory in the final.
The result confirms Sundowns’ second continental title, adding to their maiden triumph in 2016, as they once again establish themselves among Africa’s elite clubs.
Sundowns arrived in Morocco with a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, courtesy of Aubrey Modiba’s decisive strike. However, AS FAR responded in the second leg when Mohamed Hrimat converted from the penalty spot in the first half after Divine Lunga was penalised for a foul on Reda Slim.
The Moroccan side briefly believed they had turned the tie around, but Sundowns struck back in dramatic fashion just before the interval. In first-half stoppage time, Teboho Mokoena unleashed a powerful half-volley that crashed in off the underside of the bar, restoring the South Africans’ aggregate lead.
With the away goals rule still in effect, AS FAR were left needing two additional goals to overturn the deficit.
The hosts were handed another lifeline in the 77th minute when they earned a second penalty following a VAR review. However, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a crucial save, denying Hrimat and keeping his side in control of the tie.
AS FAR pushed forward in search of a late breakthrough, but Sundowns held firm through eight minutes of added time to secure the result and claim continental glory.
The victory also came with significant reward, as the South African champions are set to receive a record $6 million in prize money and a place at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite a strong atmosphere at the nearly full 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, AS FAR were unable to break down a disciplined Sundowns side that showed composure in key moments.
The win marks a major highlight for Miguel Cardoso’s team, who narrowly missed out on the domestic South African league title to Orlando Pirates, ending their eight-year dominance at home but finishing the season with continental success.
Source: BBC Sport (culled)
