South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned champions of Africa after securing a 2-1 aggregate victory over Moroccan side AS FAR to win the CAF Champions League title.
A hard-fought 1-1 draw in Sunday’s second leg in Rabat was enough for Sundowns to lift the trophy after carrying a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg played in Pretoria.
The victory marks a historic moment for the South African club, who have now won the CAF Champions League for the second time in their history and for the first time since their maiden triumph in 2016.
The final in Morocco lived up to expectations as both sides battled intensely for continental glory in front of a passionate crowd.
AS FAR entered the game determined to overturn the deficit and they found hope five minutes before half-time when the referee awarded a penalty after Divine Lunga was adjudged to have fouled Reda Slim inside the box.
Mohamed Hrimat stepped up calmly and converted from the spot to level the tie on aggregate, sending the home supporters into celebration.
However, Sundowns responded almost immediately in dramatic fashion.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, midfielder Teboho Mokoena produced a moment of brilliance with a stunning half-volley that struck the underside of the crossbar before finding the back of the net.
The goal restored Sundowns’ aggregate lead and shifted the pressure back onto the Moroccan side, who suddenly needed two more goals because of the away-goals rule.
The South Africans returned for the second half with renewed confidence while AS FAR pushed forward in search of another breakthrough.
The hosts thought they had been handed a golden opportunity in the 77th minute when a VAR review resulted in a second penalty being awarded in their favour.
Once again, Mohamed Hrimat stepped forward with the responsibility of bringing AS FAR back into the contest.
But Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the hero of the night.
The South African international produced a crucial save, diving brilliantly to his left to deny Hrimat and preserve Sundowns’ lead.
The save proved to be one of the defining moments of the final as it kept the South African side firmly in control during the closing stages.
AS FAR continued to press aggressively in the final minutes and during eight minutes of added time, but Sundowns defended resolutely and managed the game professionally to hold onto their advantage until the final whistle.
Scenes of celebration erupted among the Sundowns players, technical team and supporters after the referee confirmed their triumph.
The victory further cements Mamelodi Sundowns’ growing reputation as one of Africa’s dominant football clubs in recent years.
Apart from lifting the prestigious trophy, Sundowns are also set to receive a record $6 million prize package following their continental success.
The South African champions have additionally secured qualification for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, where they will have the opportunity to compete against some of the biggest clubs from around the globe.
The achievement is expected to strengthen the club’s status both financially and competitively as they continue investing heavily in building one of the strongest squads on the continent.
For AS FAR, it was a heartbreaking end to an impressive campaign.
The Moroccan side had hoped to win Africa’s premier club competition for the first time since 1985 but ultimately fell short despite a spirited performance across both legs.
Nevertheless, their run to the final has earned praise from supporters and football analysts across the continent.
The 2026 CAF Champions League final once again highlighted the growing quality and competitiveness of African club football, with both teams showcasing discipline, tactical organisation and attacking quality throughout the contest.
For Sundowns, however, the night belonged to them as they celebrated another major milestone in the club’s history and reaffirmed their place among Africa’s football elite.
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