Mamelodi Sundowns Win 2026 CAF Champions League Final Over FAR Rabat
Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Morocco's Royal Armed Forces (AS FAR) 2-1 on aggregate to win the 2026 CAF Champions League title. After a 1-0 first-leg victory in Pretoria, secured by Aubrey Modiba's free-kick, Sundowns drew 1-1 in Rabat. Teboho Mokoena equalized after a penalty, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved a decisive second-half spot kick. The final was marred by a VAR malfunction causing a 25-minute delay. Sundowns qualified for the Intercontinental Cup and 2029 Club World Cup.
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Mamelodi Sundowns Win African Champions League Title
South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns claimed their second African Champions League title by drawing 1-1 with Morocco's Royal Armed Forces in Rabat, winning 2-1 on aggregate. After a 1-0 first-leg victory in Pretoria, Sundowns fell behind to a first-half penalty from Mohamed Hrimat. However, Teboho Mokoena equalized with a powerful strike from the edge of the box just before halftime. Royal Armed Forces were awarded a second penalty with 15 minutes remaining, but Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved Hrimat's spot kick to preserve the lead. The victory qualifies Sundowns for the Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup. It was a redemption for coach Miguel Cardoso, who had lost previous finals with Esperance, and for the team after their shock defeat in the 2024 final against Pyramids FC.
The New ArabMokoena and Williams Lead Sundowns to CAF Champions League Title
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa won the CAF Champions League after a 1-1 draw against FAR Rabat of Morocco in the second leg on Sunday, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena scored the equalizer in first-half added time, canceling out Mohamed Hrimat's penalty for FAR. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero in the 77th minute, saving a second penalty from Hrimat to preserve Sundowns' lead. The win marks Sundowns' second African club title, following their 2016 triumph. The match was played in front of a near-capacity 60,000 crowd in Rabat, with Sundowns advancing despite a tense atmosphere and multiple yellow cards.
The NamibianMamelodi Sundowns Win African Champions League Under Miguel Cardoso
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, coached by Portuguese manager Miguel Cardoso, won the African Champions League for the second time in their history, defeating FAR Rabat of Morocco. After a 1-0 victory in the first leg in South Africa, Sundowns drew 1-1 in the return leg in Morocco. FAR Rabat, led by Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos, took the lead through a first-half penalty converted by captain Hrimat. However, Sundowns equalized deep into first-half stoppage time through Mokoena. In the second half, FAR Rabat missed a crucial penalty when Hrimat's spot-kick was saved by Ronwen Williams. Despite sustained pressure and a late missed chance by El Khfiyeh, Sundowns held on to their aggregate lead. The victory comes 10 years after their first Champions League title and marks a triumph for Portuguese coaching in African football.
Notícias da A BolaMiguel Cardoso: Winning the African Champions League Can Define a Career
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso previews the second leg of the African Champions League final against FAR Rabat, led by fellow Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos. The decisive match takes place Sunday in Rabat, with Sundowns holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg. Cardoso, appearing in his third consecutive continental final, emphasizes the club's determination to end a 10-year trophy drought. He acknowledges the unpredictability of football but stresses that winning the Champions League can define both a career and a club. Tactically, he expects a game with varied phases requiring aggressive defending, strong set-piece execution, and maintaining the club's identity. Cardoso rejects any notion of overconfidence, stating the team must reach unprecedented physical, tactical, and strategic levels to achieve something special. He also calls for the match to showcase the best of African football.
Notícias da A BolaModiba Free-Kick Secures Sundowns Victory in CAF Champions League Final First Leg
South African club Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Moroccan side FAR Rabat 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, held in Pretoria. The decisive goal came in the 37th minute from a powerful free-kick by full-back Aubrey Modiba, marking his first goal of the campaign. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple scoring chances through players like Brayan Leon and Kutlwano Letlhaku, Sundowns were unable to extend their lead due to missed opportunities and strong saves by FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti. The match faced a 25-minute delay at the start of the second half due to a VAR system malfunction. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso emphasized the need for focus ahead of the difficult return leg in Rabat, while FAR coach Alexandre Santos expressed confidence in his team's ability to create more chances in the second match. Both clubs are seeking their second continental title, with a record $6 million prize awaiting the winner. The second leg is scheduled for the following Sunday in Morocco.
The NamibianModiba Free-Kick Gives Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Win Over FAR Rabat in CAF Final First Leg
South African club Mamelodi Sundowns secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Moroccan side FAR Rabat in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. The decisive moment came in the 37th minute when full-back Aubrey Modiba scored with a powerful left-footed free-kick that beat goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti. Despite dominating possession and creating several clear chances through Brayan Leon and Kutlwano Letlhaku, Sundowns failed to extend their lead at the packed Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria. The match was marred by technical issues, as a VAR malfunction delayed the start of the second half by 25 minutes. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, seeking redemption after losing the previous two finals, praised his team's caution against FAR's counter-attacks. Meanwhile, FAR coach Alexandre Santos expressed confidence in his team's ability to improve in the return leg in Rabat. Both clubs are aiming for their second continental title, with a record $6 million prize at stake for the winner. The second leg is scheduled for the following Sunday in Morocco.
yahoo sportsVAR Malfunction Disrupts African Champions League Final First Leg
During the first leg of the 2026 African Champions League final, a technical failure caused the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system to break down. The match featured South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns hosting Morocco's FAR Rabat in Pretoria. The incident added to the recent controversies surrounding Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, who had previously faced criticism for losing control of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco. Initially, the second half proceeded without video assistance, but the VAR system was eventually restored, allowing the game to continue under normal conditions. Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory in this first leg. The return leg is scheduled to take place in Rabat on May 24. This event highlights ongoing technological and officiating challenges in major African football competitions, drawing attention to the reliability of VAR infrastructure during high-stakes matches.
yahoo sportsMamelodi Sundowns Defeat Royal Armed Forces 1-0 in CAF Champions League Final First Leg
South African club Mamelodi Sundowns secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Morocco's Royal Armed Forces (AS FAR) in the first leg of the African Champions League final held in Pretoria on May 17, 2026. The decisive goal was scored by left-back Aubrey Modiba, who converted a free kick from outside the penalty box just before halftime. The match was marred by technical issues, specifically a faulty VAR system that caused a 20-minute delay at the start of the second half. Officials eventually decided to proceed without video assistance, echoing recent controversies in African football. Sundowns missed opportunities to extend their lead, with striker Brayan Leon squandering several chances. The South African champions now hold a slight advantage heading into the return leg in Rabat. This final features two historic clubs, with Sundowns seeking their second title since 2016 and AS FAR aiming for their first continental trophy in 41 years. The match was officiated by Jean-Jacques Ndala of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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