CAPE TOWN – Mamelodi Sundowns took a narrow advantage into the second leg of the CAF Champions League final after defeating Moroccan giants AS FAR 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
With both clubs chasing a second African crown, the opening leg produced a tense and tactical contest in front of a lively Pretoria crowd.
Sundowns eventually broke the deadlock in the 37th minute through Aubrey Modiba, whose stunning free-kick from a few metres outside the visitors’ box curled past the goalkeeper to hand the home side a deserved lead.
The Brazilians controlled much of the first half and went into the halftime break with a slender 1-0 advantage.
The start of the second half was delayed due to technical challenges involving the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. After discussions between match officials and both clubs, an agreement was reached to continue the match without VAR.
Once play resumed, AS FAR pushed for an equaliser while Sundowns looked to extend their lead before the return leg. Despite opportunities mostly by Sundowns, neither side could add to the scoreline.
The match ultimately ended 1-0 in favour of Sundowns, giving the South African giants a slight edge heading into the decisive second leg in Rabat, Morocco next Sunday.
The Brazilians take a first-leg lead into Morocco, but it’s not done yet 👆
Mamelodi Sundowns (37' Modiba) 1️⃣➖0⃣ AS FAR#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #AreyengMasandawanaUntilItsDone pic.twitter.com/UBXx4ab5JF
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 17, 2026
Image: @Masandawana/ x.com
