Mamelodi Sundowns Reach CAF Champions League Final Against FAR Rabat
Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African football powerhouse, has secured their place in the CAF Champions League final after a thrilling semi-final match against Esperance of Tunisia. The decisive moment came from Colombian forward Brayan Leon, who scored the only goal of the match in the 35th minute, leading Sundowns to a 1-0 victory in the second leg of the semi-final held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. This victory not only ensured a 2-0 aggregate win for Sundowns but also marked Leon's tenth goal since joining the club three months ago, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for the team.
On the other hand, FAR Rabat of Morocco also made headlines by advancing to the final after a closely contested match against Renaissance Berkane. Despite losing 1-0 in the second leg, FAR Rabat triumphed 2-1 on aggregate thanks to their earlier performance in the first leg. Yassine Labhiri’s penalty, awarded after a lengthy VAR review, was pivotal for FAR's progression to the final, showcasing their resilience as they faced late pressure from their opponents.
Historic Rivalry and Upcoming Final Matches
This final will see both teams vie for their second CAF Champions League title, with FAR Rabat previously winning the tournament in 1985 and Mamelodi Sundowns lifting the trophy in 2016. The first leg of this much-anticipated final will take place in Pretoria on May 15, followed by the return match in Rabat on May 24. The stakes are incredibly high, with a record prize of six million dollars awaiting the champions.
Adding to the intrigue of the final is the matchup of two Portuguese coaches: Miguel Cardoso, leading Sundowns, will face off against Alexandre Santos of FAR Rabat. Cardoso is making his third consecutive appearance in the Champions League final, having previously coached Esperance in 2024 and Sundowns last season. This final not only promises thrilling football but also highlights the growing influence of Portuguese coaches in African football.
As reported by namibian.com.na.
