Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned CAF Champions League winners for the second time in their history after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces secured a 2-1 aggregate victory in Rabat on Sunday night.
A stunning strike from Teboho Mokoena proved decisive as the South African champions survived late pressure to reclaim African club football’s biggest prize for the first time since 2016.
The Moroccan side entered the second leg determined to overturn the 1-0 first leg defeat suffered in Pretoria, and early pressure was immediately applied in front of their passionate home supporters.
An excellent opportunity was wasted midway through the first half when captain Mohamed Hrimat found himself unmarked inside the penalty area, only for his effort to be fired high over the crossbar.
Sundowns struggled to settle during the opening stages as possession was repeatedly surrendered through misplaced passes. Although the visitors managed the first shot on target in the 24th minute through Kutlwano Lethlaku, his low strike failed to seriously trouble goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti.
The pressure from AS FAR eventually paid off before halftime. Sundowns defender Divine Lunga, who had replaced injured left back Aubrey Modiba, was penalised after catching Reda Slim from behind while attempting to clear the ball. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan initially waved away appeals, but a VAR review resulted in a penalty being awarded.
Hrimat stepped forward in the 40th minute and calmly sent Ronwen Williams the wrong way to level the tie on aggregate and ignite celebrations around the stadium.
Momentum appeared to shift firmly towards the Moroccan side, but Sundowns responded at the perfect moment.
Just before halftime, Brayan Leon’s cross was flicked into the path of Mokoena by Tashreeq Matthews, and the midfielder unleashed a thunderous effort from the edge of the box. The strike flew past Tagnaouti and crashed in off the underside of the crossbar to silence the home crowd and restore Mamelodi Sundowns aggregate advantage.
The spectacular goal immediately changed the complexion of the final, leaving AS FAR needing two more goals to deny the South Africans the title.
At halftime, Sundowns strengthened their midfield by introducing Chilean playmaker Marcelo Allende for Lethlaku. However, further drama followed as reserve goalkeeper Denis Onyango was reportedly shown a red card for an off field incident during the break.
The second half was dominated by sustained pressure from the hosts, while Sundowns increasingly focused on protecting their lead with disciplined defending and bodies packed behind the ball.
AS FAR were left frustrated by another controversial moment when Abdelfettah Hadraf escaped with only a yellow card after appearing to headbutt Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams in an incident that sparked confusion among players and supporters.
Despite the pressure, Mamelodi Sundowns remained resilient. Leon continued to work tirelessly in attack as the lone outlet, while Williams produced several important interventions in goal.
The defining moment arrived with 15 minutes remaining when AS FAR were awarded a second penalty after Williams spilled a routine effort before bringing down Youssef El Fahli while attempting to recover possession.
With the stadium holding its breath, Hrimat stepped forward again looking to force extra time. This time, however, Williams guessed correctly and produced a superb diving save to his left to deny the Moroccan captain and preserve Sundowns’ advantage.
That save ultimately secured African glory for the South African champions, who held firm during the closing stages to complete a memorable triumph on Moroccan soil.
The victory also secured qualification for both the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, adding even greater significance to an unforgettable night for the Pretoria club.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, the result marked another historic achievement underlining their growing dominance in African football, while heartbreak was suffered by AS FAR after a spirited performance fell just short in front of their home supporters.
