Mamelodi Sundowns Crowned African Champions After Beating AS FAR

By Angu Lesley

South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned CAF Champions League winners on Sunday after defeating Moroccan side AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in a dramatic final.

Sundowns secured the title following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, having already won the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria last week.

The Moroccan hosts started strongly in front of a packed home crowd and leveled the aggregate score in the 40th minute when captain Mohamed Hrimat converted from the penalty spot. However, Teboho Mokoena struck a crucial equaliser just before halftime with a powerful effort that ultimately proved decisive thanks to the away goals advantage.

AS FAR pushed hard for a winner in the second half but were denied repeatedly by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who produced several important saves, including stopping another penalty late in the match to preserve the aggregate lead.

The triumph marks Sundowns’ second CAF Champions League title after their historic maiden success in 2016 against Zamalek.

It also represents redemption for Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, who had lost the previous two Champions League finals with different clubs before finally lifting Africa’s biggest club trophy.

Sundowns had taken a slender advantage into the second leg after defender Aubrey Modiba scored the only goal in the first encounter in Pretoria.

The victory confirms Mamelodi Sundowns’ status as one of the dominant forces in African football and secures qualification for both the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.