Mamelodi Sundowns have officially secured their place in the CAF Champions League final for the second consecutive year. This marks the fourth time “Masandawana” will compete for the ultimate prize in African club football, having previously reached the final in 2001, 2016 (champions), and 2025.
Their 2026 journey has been a test of resilience. Over 12 matches, the Brazilians recorded seven wins, three draws, and two defeats. Now, only Morocco’s AS FAR stands between them and a second star.
The Journey to the Final
Second Round: Statement of Intent
After a first-round bye, Sundowns dismantled Nigerian champions Remo Stars.
- Away (5-1): A dominant display in Abeokuta with goals from Matthews, Shalulile, Reisinho, Sales, and Ntsabeleng.
- Home (2-0): Nuno Santos and Peter Shalulile sealed a 7-1 aggregate cruise.
Group Stage: The Wake-Up Call
Sundowns navigated a tricky Group C, ultimately finishing as runners-up behind Sudan’s Al Hilal.
- The campaign started strong with a 3-1 win over St Eloi Lupopo, but momentum stalled with a draw in Algeria and a winless double-header against Al Hilal (2-2 home, 1-2 away).
- Facing potential elimination after a 1-1 draw in DR Congo, Sundowns delivered when it mattered most. They defeated Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger 2-0 in the final round—thanks to a Brayan León brace—to secure their knockout spot.
Quarter-Finals: A Malian Scare
Facing Stade Malien, Sundowns looked comfortable after a 3-0 home win (Mudau, León, and Rayners). However, the return leg in Bamako was a nerve-wracking affair as the Malians won 2-0, nearly erasing the deficit before Sundowns managed to hold on for an aggregate victory.
Semi-Finals: Masterclass in Efficiency
In a high-stakes rematch against Tunisian giants Esperance, Sundowns showed tactical maturity.
- Away (1-0): A clinical strike from Brayan León silenced the Tunisian crowd.
- Home (1-0): León repeated the feat in Pretoria, securing back-to-back 1-0 wins and a ticket to the final.
The Grand Finale: Sundowns vs. AS FAR
The two-legged showdown will determine the kings of Africa. Sundowns will look to leverage home advantage in the first leg before traveling to the intimidating atmosphere of Rabat.
| Leg | Date | Venue | Time (SA) |
| First Leg | Sunday, 17 May | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | 18:00 |
| Second Leg | Sunday, 24 May | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | 21:00 |
Match Rules:
- Standard 90-minute fixtures.
- Away goals rule applies.
- Penalty shootout if tied on aggregate and away goals.
- Five substitutions allowed from nine named substitutes.
