Mamelodi Sundowns Set New Record As They Beat AS FAR to Win CAF Champions League

• Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned champions of African club football after winning this season CAF Champions League title
• The Premier Soccer League giants defeat Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat in the final to clinch their second title in the competition
• The Brazilians went on to set a new record with their win on aggregate against Nasreddine Nabi's former club on Sunday evening

Mamelodi Sundowns clinched their second CAF Champions League crown, finally ending a 10-year wait after edging ASFAR 2–1 on aggregate in a tense final played at a packed and hostile Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.

The South African side entered the second leg holding a 1–0 advantage from the first meeting, but first-leg goalscorer Aubrey Modiba was left out of the matchday squad. Coach Miguel Cardoso made just one adjustment, bringing Divine Lunga back into the starting XI at left-back.

AS FAR were handed a boost just before halftime when VAR intervention led the referee to award a penalty after Lunga was judged to have committed a foul. Mohamed Hrimat converted confidently from the spot to give the home team the lead on the night.

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Sundowns, however, responded immediately before the interval. After Tashreeq Matthews redirected Brayan Leon’s delivery, the ball fell kindly to Teboho Mokoena, who unleashed a precise first-time strike off the underside of the crossbar to restore parity.

The hosts were later awarded another penalty in the 74th minute after Williams was ruled to have fouled Youssef El Fahli following a VAR review. This time, though, the Sundowns goalkeeper atoned for the earlier setback by producing a crucial save to deny Hrimat from the spot.

Sundowns set new record

After losing in the final against Pyramids FC last season, the Brazilians made sure they clinched a record of second title this campaign.

With the win over AS FAR this season, the Pretoria giants becomes the first Premier Soccer League side to win the CAF Champions League twice after being victorious in the competition in 2016 and now in 2026.

Orlando Pirates are the second South African side to have won the competition after their triumph in 1995.

Cardoso sends message to PSL leaders

Cardoso has urged the leadership of the Premier Soccer League to address fixture congestion after his team secured the CAF Champions League title.

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The Portuguese tactician finally broke his streak of heartbreak in CAF Champions League finals, winning the trophy on his third attempt. He previously fell short in the final with Esperance Sportive de Tunis and again last season with Sundowns against Pyramids FC.

Speaking after the game, Cardoso again raised concerns about Sundowns’ demanding schedule, claiming that players such as Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas suffered injuries after being subjected to an excessive workload.

“I believe that if South Africa wants to see another Champions League winner in the near future, certain things must change,” Cardoso said during his post-match press conference.

“It’s crucial that some systems and structures improve in order to give clubs the support they need. Even today, there were players with potential to represent South Africa national soccer team who could not feature — Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas.

“They missed the final because, at a critical stage, they were pushed beyond normal limits. Their presence could have made a significant difference for us tonight."

Cardoso questions bigger issues after Cupido's injury

Briefly News previously reported that Miguel Cardoso questioned Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana selections after Keanu Cupido suffered an injury during Sundowns’ clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

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The Sundowns coach praised Cupido’s performances and suggested the defender deserved more recognition at the international level while also criticising the physical nature of recent PSL encounters.

Source: Briefly News