Mamelodi Sundowns won the CAF Champions League for the second time after holding AS FAR to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final, completing a 2-1 aggregate victory at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco.
AS FAR went into the match needing to overturn a narrow deficit and started with the urgency. The Moroccan club dominated possession for long spells in the first half, but the visitors from South Africa remained disciplined.
Then 10 minutes before half-time, the referee awarded AS FAR a penalty after a VAR review. AS FAR captain Mohamed Hrimat stepped up and calmly converted in the 40th minute to make it 1-0 on the night and level the final at 1-1 on aggregate.
However, Mamelodi Sundowns responded in the final moments of first-half stoppage time.
Brayan Leon delivered a cross into the area and Tashreeq Matthews helped it into the path of Teboho Mokoena and the midfielder struck first time off the underside of the crossbar to make it 1-1 and put Sundowns back ahead overall.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made a change at the start of the second half, introducing Marcelo Allende for Kutlwano Letlhaku as Sundowns looked to strengthen their midfield and manage the pressure.
The hosts were then given another major chance in the 74th minute when goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was judged, after another VAR review, to have fouled Youssef El Fahli.
Hrimat again took responsibility, but goalkeeper Williams redeemed himself with a crucial save to keep Sundowns in front on aggregate.
The visitors almost punished FAR Rabat soon after when Arthur Sales helped create a chance for Jayden Adams, but the midfielder sent his effort wide as the match finished 1-1 on the night and 2-1 to Sundowns on aggregate.
The victory gives Sundowns their second Champions League crown and hands coach Miguel Cardoso the title after previous final disappointments on the continent.
“I dedicate this trophy to the fans who kept believing in us. The fans who kept pushing us, they really deserve this trophy,” said an emotional Cardoso after the final whistle.
“It has been hard for my players and all the credit goes to them. I praise them for the work they have done. It has not been easy for them and for me.”
