Mamelodi Sundowns win CAF Champions League

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned CAF Champions League winners for the 2025/26 season following a 2-1 aggregate win over Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat on Sunday.

The Brazilians survived a hostile atmosphere to hold AS FAR to a 1-1 second leg result at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, their 1-0 first leg win ensuring a 2-1 aggregate victory.

Sundowns won their second continental title to become the most successful South Africa club in the foremost continental competition.

A lunge in the box handed AS FAR a deserved penalty for their attacking endeavor against the defensive visitors, and captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat converted to put the home side ahead in the first half.

Sundowns jolted to life, became more adventurous in attack, and Teboho Mokoena lashed into the roof of the net deep into first half added time to restore parity on the night.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams clattered into an AS FAR player to gift the home side another penalty, but team captain and South Africa international known for his penalty heroics at at the Africa Cup of Nations, saved Hrimat’s second attempt to maintain the Boys of Style’s aggregate lead on 76 minutes.

Miguel Cardoso’s side held on to claim their first continental title in 10 years to obliterate last season’s disappointment in the final. Cardoso also wins his second major trophy since taking over in 2014.

Sundowns who defeated Remo Stars 7-1 on aggregate in the qualifying round to reach the group phase, will take home a whooping $6 million cash prize. The Champions of Africa have qualified for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

They will face Algerian side USM Alger in the 2026 CAF Super Cup scheduled for October 31.

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)