Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned CAF Champions League winners for the second time in their history after securing a tense 1-1 draw against AS FAR Rabat in the second leg of the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday evening.
The result handed the Brazilians a 2-1 aggregate triumph following their narrow first-leg advantage in Pretoria. It also marked a historic moment for South African football as Sundowns finally reclaimed the continental crown for the first time since their famous 2016 triumph under Pitso Mosimane.
Equally significant was the manner in which they achieved it.
The Chloorkop-based outfit became the first club from outside North Africa in nearly a decade to lift the Champions League trophy, bringing an end to years of dominance from clubs across the northern part of the continent.
As expected, Sundowns were immediately placed under enormous pressure inside a hostile Rabat atmosphere. The Moroccan giants attacked aggressively from the opening exchanges while Sundowns struggled at times to settle into their passing rhythm.
The pressure eventually told in the 35th minute.
Divine Lunga, drafted into the starting line-up following the injury to Aubrey Modiba, was penalised after bringing down Reda Slim inside the area.
Following a lengthy VAR review, AS FAR captain Mohamed Hrimat calmly stepped forward and sent Ronwen Williams the wrong way to level the aggregate scoreline shortly before halftime.
At that stage momentum appeared firmly with the hosts as the sold-out crowd sensed a comeback. But champions often require moments of composure under extreme pressure … and once again, Teboho Mokoena delivered exactly that for Sundowns.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, the midfielder arrived late on the edge of the box before unleashing a thunderous half-volley that crashed in off the crossbar to stun the Rabat crowd into silence.
The goal instantly shifted the emotional complexion of the final.
Instead of Sundowns chasing the game, AS FAR suddenly needed two goals to rip the trophy away from the visitors. From there, Sundowns showed the maturity, tactical discipline and resilience that defined their continental campaign.
Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side managed the second half intelligently, slowing the tempo whenever necessary while surviving late pressure from the hosts.
Williams was required to clean up his own mess with a penalty save in the second stanza but the Brazilians largely had full control of proceedings.
When the final whistle sounded, Sundowns players collapsed onto the pitch in celebration after finally restoring themselves to the summit of African club football.
