Mamelodi Sundowns are on the cusp of making history once again. The Tshwane giants have taken a vital step toward securing their second-ever CAF Champions League title after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Moroccan heavyweights AS FAR in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld.
Masandawana will head to North Africa next weekend carrying a narrow but incredibly precious advantage.
Modiba Breaks the Deadlock
From the opening whistle, Sundowns dominated both possession and territory, pushing the disciplined Moroccan defense to its limits. While AS FAR looked sharp on the counter-attack, Sundowns’ persistence finally paid off in the 37th minute.
Step up, Aubrey Modiba.
The versatile defender stood over a free-kick just outside the penalty area and unleashed a sublime, curling strike that left the AS FAR goalkeeper completely stranded, sending the Loftus crowd into absolute raptures.
Frustration and Near Misses in the Second Half
Sundowns came out firing after the interval, eager to cushion their lead before the grueling away leg. However, clinical finishing evaded them in the final third.
- Missed Chances: Striker Brayan León found himself in excellent positions but uncharacteristically squandered three clear-cut opportunities during a dominant attacking spell.
- Agony at the Death: In the 84th minute, midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena thought he had doubled the lead, but his spectacular free-kick rattled off the woodwork and bounced clear.
AS FAR held firm under immense pressure, ensuring the deficit remained at just one goal ahead of the grand finale in Rabat.
The Deciding Second Leg
The battle for the crown moves to Morocco next weekend. Here is what you need to know:
- Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026
- Time: 21:00 SA Time
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
