Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned champions of Africa for the second time in their history after battling to a dramatic 1-1 draw against AS FAR Rabat in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night.
The result sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory for the Brazilians, ending a near decade-long wait to return to the summit of African club football after their historic 2016 triumph under Pitso Mosimane.
More importantly, Sundowns shattered North Africa’s long-standing dominance in the competition, becoming the first club from outside the region in almost ten years to lift the prestigious continental title.
Inside a hostile and packed Rabat atmosphere, Sundowns were forced onto the back foot early as the Moroccan giants launched relentless attacks from the opening whistle. The visitors struggled at times to establish their trademark possession game while the home crowd roared AS FAR forward.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 35th minute after defender Divine Lunga was adjudged to have fouled Reda Slim inside the penalty area following a tense VAR review.
AS FAR captain Mohamed Hrimat stepped up confidently and sent goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way to level the aggregate score and ignite belief among the home supporters.
At that moment, momentum belonged entirely to the Moroccan side. But champions always find a response.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, midfield general Teboho Mokoena produced the defining moment of the final. Arriving late on the edge of the box, he unleashed a sensational half-volley that thundered in off the crossbar, silencing the Rabat crowd and swinging the tie firmly back in Sundowns’ favour.
The strike completely changed the complexion of the contest.
Instead of Sundowns chasing the game, AS FAR suddenly needed two goals to snatch the trophy away from the South Africans. From there, coach Miguel Cardoso masterminded a composed second-half performance built on discipline, control and resilience.
Williams redeemed himself later in the match with a crucial penalty save, while Sundowns expertly slowed the tempo and frustrated the hosts whenever pressure mounted.
When the final whistle finally sounded, Sundowns players collapsed to the turf in celebration after reclaiming their place among Africa’s elite and writing a new chapter in South African football history.
