Pretoria – Mamelodi Sundowns etched their name into African football folklore once more, lifting the 2026 CAF Champions League title with a hard-fought 2-1 aggregate victory over Morocco’s AS FAR.
The Brazilians secured the trophy yesterday in Rabat with a resilient 1-1 draw in the second leg, capping a campaign that showcased their class despite domestic challenges.
(Source: youtube.com)
After dominating South African football for years, Sundowns appeared to lose their iron grip on the Betway Premiership this season.
Orlando Pirates pipped them to the title, leaving Masandawana in second place.
The first leg at Loftus Versfeld on 17 May 2026 set the tone.
Aubrey Modiba’s stunning 37th-minute free-kick handed Sundowns a slender 1-0 lead in front of a raucous 51 000 crowd.
In yesterday’s fiery return leg at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, AS FAR came out guns blazing.
Mohamed Rabie Hrimat leveled the aggregate score from the penalty spot in the 40th minute, sending the home fans into delirium.
Sundowns, however, refused to wilt.
Captain Ronwen Williams produced crucial saves, while the defence stood firm under relentless pressure.
Then, in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time, magic struck.
Teboho Mokoena unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box that rocketed into the net to give the visitors a 2-1 aggregate lead.
Sundowns absorbed waves of attacks, with Williams’ heroics ensuring no further concessions.
When the final whistle blew, euphoria erupted.
Themba Zwane, the heartbeat of the team, lifted the glittering trophy aloft as yellow flares lit up the Moroccan night.
(Source: x.com)
This victory marks Sundowns’ second CAF Champions League title after 2016. The coveted second star now adorns their jersey, symbolizing two continental crowns and cementing their status as one of Africa’s elite.
It also unlocks qualification for the 2026 CAF Super Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and 2029 Club World Cup, along with a handsome prize purse.
(Source: facebook.com)
Back home in South Africa, excitement is at fever pitch, with fans looking forward to Sundowns returning with the cup.
Social media is flooded with #SecondStar and #DownsAreBack.
Disclaimer: This article was compiled using the AI tool Grok on X and may contain inaccuracies
