Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned CAF Champions League winners after defeating AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the final.
The South African giants secured the title following a 1-1 draw in the second leg played on Sunday in Rabat. Sundowns entered the match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Pretoria.
AS FAR levelled the aggregate score five minutes before half-time after Mohamed Hrimat converted a penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after Divine Lunga was judged to have fouled Reda Slim.
However, Sundowns responded immediately before the break. In first-half stoppage time, Teboho Mokoena struck a powerful half-volley that bounced in off the underside of the crossbar to restore the South African side’s aggregate lead.
The goal proved crucial as AS FAR needed two more goals because of the away-goals rule.
The Moroccan side had another opportunity to get back into the game in the 77th minute when VAR awarded them a second penalty.
But Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a crucial save, diving to his left to stop Hrimat’s penalty and keep his side ahead.
AS FAR continued to press in the final minutes and during eight minutes of added time but could not find another goal as Sundowns held on to secure the trophy.
The victory gives Mamelodi Sundowns their second CAF Champions League title and their first since winning the competition in 2016.
The South African club will also receive a record $6 million prize money and qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
For AS FAR, it was a disappointing end to an impressive campaign as they missed the chance to win Africa’s biggest club competition for the first time since 1985.
