Mamelodi Sundowns Secure Historic CAF Champions League Triumph
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns claimed their second CAF Champions League title after drawing 1-1 with Morocco’s ASFAR in the second leg of the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.
The result sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory for Sundowns following their 1-0 win in Tshwane last weekend. As a result, the Brazilians added another continental crown to the title they first won in 2016.
ASFAR started the match with intensity and controlled the opening stages. However, they created only one clear opportunity during that period. In the 16th minute, Mohamed Hrimat fired wide after Reda Slim and Anas Bach combined well down the right flank.
As the first half progressed, Sundowns gradually settled into the game. Kutlwano Lethlaku forced a low save from goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti, while Tashreeq Matthews sent a long-range effort just wide.
Mokoena’s Goal Shifts Momentum
The hosts earned a penalty after a VAR review in the 37th minute. Divine Lunga fouled Slim while trying to recover possession inside the box. Hrimat stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick three minutes later, making it 1-0 on the night and level on aggregate.
Shortly afterwards, ASFAR nearly doubled their advantage. Abdelfettah Hadraf connected with a pull-back near the by-line, but his volley drifted off target.
Mamelodi Sundowns responded well before halftime. Brayan Leon redirected Lunga’s cross toward goal, yet Tagnaouti reacted sharply to keep the effort out.
However, the Moroccan goalkeeper could do little moments later when Sundowns produced a brilliant equaliser. Leon and Matthews combined neatly before Teboho Mokoena smashed a half-volley into the net off the underside of the crossbar. The crucial away goal restored Sundowns’ aggregate lead at 2-1.
Williams Delivers Crucial Save
Sundowns controlled possession for much of the second half. Nevertheless, tension returned in the 72nd minute when Ronwen Williams spilled a low shot and collided with Youssef El Fahli while chasing the loose ball. After another VAR review, the referee awarded ASFAR a second penalty.
This time, Williams redeemed himself with an outstanding save from Hrimat’s spot kick. His intervention kept Sundowns firmly in control of the final.
Although ASFAR continued searching for another goal, the missed penalty drained their momentum. In addition, many home supporters began leaving before full-time. Eventually, the match ended 1-1, confirming Sundowns as African champions once again.
