Mamelodi Sundowns FC claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over AS FAR Rabat in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday evening, taking a slender advantage into the return fixture in Morocco.
Despite dominating large phases of the match, the South African champions were wasteful in front of goal but still managed to secure a crucial home win ahead of next weekend’s second leg in Rabat, where Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will take charge.
AS FAR, chasing a second continental crown after their 1985 triumph, will rely heavily on home support in the return leg, while Sundowns — who have never won in Morocco — are aiming for a second Champions League title following their 2016 success.
The final began at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent but struggling with final execution in the opening exchanges. The breakthrough arrived just before half-time through a moment of quality.
Aubrey Modiba delivered the decisive blow after Tashreeq Matthews was fouled just outside the area by Yunis Abdelhamid. Modiba stepped up and curled a superb free-kick into the top corner to give Sundowns a 1-0 lead at the break.
After a VAR delay early in the second half, Sundowns asserted greater control and created several clear chances but were unable to extend their advantage. Brayan León wasted two excellent opportunities, including a one-on-one with goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
Kutlwano Letlhaku also went close in the 65th minute but was denied by a superb save from Tagnaouti, who kept AS FAR in the contest.
Late on, Sundowns nearly doubled their lead when Teboho Mokoena struck a powerful free-kick that beat the goalkeeper but crashed against the post, allowing AS FAR to escape with a narrow defeat.
Sundowns ultimately held firm to secure a valuable first-leg advantage as the final heads to Morocco with everything still to play for.
