Mamelodi Sundowns win CAF Champions League after defeating FAR Rabat 2-1 on aggregate

• Mamelodi Sundowns won the 2026 CAF Champions League after defeating FAR Rabat 2-1 on aggregate.
• The second leg in Rabat ended 1-1, securing Sundowns’ second continental title after their 2016 triumph.
• Mohamed Hrimat scored for FAR Rabat from the penalty spot before Teboho Mokoena equalised with a long-range strike.
• Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved a crucial second-half penalty to preserve the aggregate lead.
• The South African club qualified for both the Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup following the victory.

Sundowns Secure Historic Continental Triumph in Rabat

Mamelodi Sundowns captured their second CAF Champions League title on Sunday after holding FAR Rabat to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The South African champions sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria the previous week.

The triumph marked a return to the top of African club football for Sundowns, who last lifted the trophy in 2016. The club had fallen short in the previous season’s final against Egyptian side Pyramids FC but responded with a disciplined and resilient performance across both legs of this year’s final.

FAR Rabat Strike First in Front of Home Crowd

FAR Rabat entered the second leg trailing 1-0 on aggregate and started aggressively in front of a passionate home crowd at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.

The Moroccan side found their breakthrough in the 40th minute after referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Divine Lunga was penalised for fouling Reda Slim inside the area. Captain Mohamed Hrimat stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, levelling the aggregate score at 1-1.

FAR Rabat controlled long periods of possession during the opening half and repeatedly pushed Sundowns deep into their own half. However, Sundowns’ defensive line, led by Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido, Grant Kekana, and Divine Lunga, limited clear scoring opportunities from open play.

Teboho Mokoena Delivers Defining Moment

Just as FAR Rabat looked poised to take momentum into halftime, Sundowns produced the decisive moment of the final.

In first-half stoppage time, Brayan Leon delivered a cross into the penalty area before Tashreeq Matthews redirected the ball into the path of Teboho Mokoena. The midfielder unleashed a powerful first-time strike from the edge of the box that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar to make it 1-1 on the night and restore Sundowns’ aggregate advantage.

Mokoena’s goal transformed the complexion of the tie. FAR Rabat suddenly needed two more goals to overturn the aggregate deficit, while Sundowns shifted into a more controlled and defensive structure in the second half.

Ronwen Williams Saves Crucial Penalty

The defining defensive moment arrived in the 74th minute when FAR Rabat earned another penalty after VAR ruled that Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had fouled Youssef El Fahli inside the area.

Hrimat once again stepped up for FAR Rabat, but this time Williams redeemed himself with a decisive save low to his left, preserving Sundowns’ aggregate lead and silencing the home crowd.

The save proved decisive as Sundowns absorbed sustained pressure during the closing stages. FAR Rabat continued to attack, but the South African side maintained its defensive organisation to see out the match.

Sundowns Complete Long-Awaited Return to African Summit

Coach Miguel Cardoso guided Sundowns through a difficult away performance with tactical discipline and timely substitutions, including the introduction of Marcelo Allende early in the second half to strengthen midfield control.

Lebogang Mothiba later had a goal ruled out for offside, while Jayden Adams missed a late chance to extend Sundowns’ lead. Despite those missed opportunities, the visitors comfortably protected the aggregate advantage during the final minutes.

The result secured Sundowns’ second CAF Champions League crown in club history and reinforced their status as one of Africa’s dominant football institutions. The victory also earned qualification for the Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

FAR Rabat, champions of Africa in 1985, fell short in their bid to reclaim the continental title despite a strong performance in front of their supporters.

Match Summary

CAF Champions League Final – Second Leg
Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026
Venue: Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

FAR Rabat 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Aggregate: Mamelodi Sundowns win 2-1

Scorers:

• Mohamed Hrimat (penalty) 40’
• Teboho Mokoena 45+7’

Source: Mabunbe.com