BREAKING: Sundowns crowned African champions

RABAT – SOUTH African giants Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned African champions on Sunday night after edging Morocco’s AS FAR in a thrilling and fiercely contested CAF Champions League final at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The Brazilians secured a 2-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria two weeks earlier before battling to a 1-1 draw in the return leg in Morocco.

Backed by a passionate crowd of nearly 70,000 home supporters, AS FAR started the match aggressively, launching relentless attacks from the opening whistle.

However, Sundowns displayed remarkable composure and defensive discipline, with their backline and midfield effectively absorbing sustained pressure from the Moroccan side.

The breakthrough eventually came for the hosts when Sundowns left-back Divine Lunga was adjudged to have fouled an AS FAR attacker while attempting to clear the ball inside the penalty area.

Moroccan captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending the home crowd into celebration.

AS FAR’s advantage, however, was short-lived.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena produced a moment of brilliance minutes later, unleashing a thunderous first-time volley from outside the penalty box that flew past AS FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti and silenced the vociferous home supporters.

The spectacular strike proved decisive and underlined Sundowns’ resilience on one of African football’s biggest stages.

Sundowns nearly extended their lead when striker Lebo Mothiba found the back of the net for what appeared to be a second goal, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

As the match approached its conclusion, drama unfolded once again when AS FAR were awarded a second penalty after Sundowns captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was penalised for a challenge inside the area.

Williams, however, redeemed himself in spectacular fashion by producing a crucial save to deny the hosts and preserve Sundowns’ aggregate advantage.

The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the South African side, who added another prestigious continental title to their growing legacy.

Their triumph further cemented Mamelodi Sundowns’ status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces, following years of consistent success domestically and on the continental stage.

The victory also highlighted the tactical discipline, squad depth and winning mentality that have made Sundowns one of the most formidable clubs in African football in recent years.

– CAJ News