Mamelodi Sundowns Win CAF Champions League After Tense Final in Rabat
The victory underlines Sundowns' consistency at the highest level of African club football and adds another chapter to their modern success story, writes Gazette's Annet Mugabo in Rabat.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned CAF Champions League champions after a dramatic and tightly contested final against Moroccan side AS FAR, sealing a 2–1 aggregate victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
It is Sundown’s second continental title, adding to their triumph in 2016, and confirming their status among Africa’s elite clubs.
AS FAR initially sparked hopes of a comeback when Mohamed Rabie Hrimat converted a first-half penalty after a foul inside the area, sending the home crowd into celebration and briefly levelling the tie-on aggregate.
However, Sundowns responded at a crucial moment just before half-time, with Teboho Mokoena striking in stoppage time (45+7’) to restore their advantage.
The second half was played at high intensity, with AS FAR committing players forward in search of another breakthrough.
Sundowns, however, showed resilience and organisation, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and their defensive unit holding firm under sustained pressure.
As the game opened up late on, Sundowns took advantage of the space left behind to settle the contest and secure the title.
Prize Money and Club Gesture
The victory also earns Sundowns a record $6 million winners’ prize from the Confederation of African Football.
In a notable decision, the club confirmed that the entire prize will be distributed among players and technical staff as bonuses, a move reflecting what they describe as a strong collective culture within the squad.
The CAF Champions League is the continent’s premier club tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football.
Established in 1964 as the African Cup of Champions Clubs, it was rebranded in 1997. The competition brings together domestic champions from across Africa, culminating in a final to determine the continent’s top club.
In recent years, the tournament has grown in financial value and global significance, with winners now qualifying for international competitions including the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
Wasted Opportunities
For AS FAR, it is a painful defeat in front of their home supporters, extending their wait for a second continental crown since their only title in 1985.
Their performance, however, was marked by determination and attacking intent, particularly during a sustained second-half push that ultimately went unrewarded.
The Moroccan side are now left to rue their many wasted opportunities.
Meanwhile, for Sundowns, the victory underlines their consistency at the highest level of African club football and adds another chapter to their modern success story.
In a final decided by moments, they once again found the composure required—and left Rabat as champions of Africa.
