A slim advantage was secured by Mamelodi Sundowns after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Morocco’s AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday.
The only goal of the match was delivered by left back Aubrey Modiba eight minutes before halftime at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. His powerful free kick from outside the penalty area beat the goalkeeper and handed the South African champions an important lead ahead of next Sunday’s decisive return leg in Rabat.
A bigger winning margin could easily have been recorded by Mamelodi Sundowns, especially after the restart, but several chances were wasted by Colombian striker Brayan Leon. Three clear opportunities fell his way in quick succession early in the second half, yet none could be converted as AS FAR stayed within touching distance.
The second half itself was delayed for 20 minutes because of a faulty VAR system, creating confusion and frustration among both teams and supporters. Eventually, the match resumed without the technology in another embarrassing incident involving VAR at a major African final.
The issue added to growing criticism surrounding officiating technology in African football finals. Earlier this year, the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat was also overshadowed by controversial VAR decisions and a temporary walk off by Senegal.
Referee Jean Jacques Ndala of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who also handled that AFCON final, officiated Sunday’s contest but was powerless to resolve the technical problems.
Despite the interruptions, Sundowns continued to press for another goal late in the game. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena came agonisingly close five minutes from time when his well struck free kick crashed against the upright.
The South African side, who finished as runners up in last season’s competition, are still chasing only their second CAF Champions League title after first lifting the trophy in 2016. Meanwhile, the Moroccan army club are aiming to win Africa’s biggest club competition again for the first time in 41 years since their triumph in the old African Champions Cup era.
Although the tie remains finely balanced, Mamelodi Sundowns will travel to Morocco carrying a narrow advantage into the second leg at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, May 24.
AS FAR will now be required to overturn the deficit in front of their home supporters if the Moroccan giants are to reclaim continental glory.
