AFCON 2025
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns secured their second CAF Champions League title after battling to a 1-1 draw against AS FAR in Rabat, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory in the final.
Sundowns entered the second leg with a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first meeting in Pretoria, courtesy of Aubrey Modiba’s decisive strike. The Moroccan side, backed by a passionate crowd at the 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, pushed aggressively for a comeback and drew level on aggregate five minutes before half-time.
AS FAR were awarded a penalty after VAR review showed Divine Lunga catching Reda Slim while attempting a clearance inside the box. Mohamed Hrimat calmly converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way to ignite hopes of a historic continental triumph for the hosts.
However, Sundowns responded almost immediately in first-half stoppage time through a moment of brilliance from Teboho Mokoena. The midfielder smashed a stunning half-volley off the underside of the crossbar after a clever flick from Tashreeq Matthews, restoring the visitors’ aggregate advantage and silencing the home supporters.
With the away goals rule still in effect in the competition, Mokoena’s strike meant AS FAR needed two more goals to overturn the tie.
The Moroccan club had a golden opportunity to revive their chances in the 77th minute after VAR awarded them a second penalty. Williams initially spilled a low shot before bringing down Youssef El Fahli while attempting to recover the ball.
Yet the Sundowns captain once again proved decisive, diving sharply to his left to deny Hrimat from 12 yards with a superb save that ultimately preserved his side’s lead.
AS FAR continued to press in the closing stages, but Jalal-Eddine El Khfiyef fired over late on as Sundowns survived eight minutes of added time to secure continental glory for the first time since winning the competition in 2016.
The victory also completed redemption for Miguel Cardoso’s men after losing last season’s final to Egyptian side Pyramids FC. Sundowns will receive a record $6 million prize money and have also booked their place at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
The triumph came just a day after Sundowns lost the South African league title to Orlando Pirates, ending their remarkable eight-year dominance in domestic football.
