In a thrilling conclusion to the CAF Champions League final, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns emerged victorious, clinching the title for a second time by securing a 1-1 draw against the Moroccan team ASFAR. This decisive match took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night. With a 1-0 victory in the first leg held in Tshwane the prior week, the Sundowns triumphed with a 2-1 aggregate score, adding another prestigious trophy to their cabinet, following their initial triumph in 2016.
The match began with ASFAR taking an aggressive stance, dominating the early exchanges and creating considerable pressure. However, their efforts resulted in only one significant opportunity, which was squandered by Mohamed Hrimat, who misfired a shot wide after a promising setup from Reda Slim and Anas Bach. As the first half progressed, the Sundowns began to find their footing, with Kutlwano Lethlaku testing ASFAR's goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti, who made a crucial save from a low drive. Tashreeq Matthews also attempted a long-range shot that veered off target.
The turning point came in the 37th minute when ASFAR was awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Divine Lunga was penalized for a foul on Slim, leading to Hrimat stepping up to convert the penalty and put ASFAR ahead 1-0, leveling the aggregate score at 1-1. Just moments later, ASFAR nearly doubled their lead, but Abdelfettah Hadraf's late arrival on a pullback resulted in a missed opportunity as his volley went astray.
As the first half drew to a close, Sundowns found their moment of brilliance. In injury time, a well-timed cross from Lunga was redirected by Brayan Leon, but it was Teboho Mokoena who delivered a stunning equalizer. His half-volley struck the underside of the crossbar and found the net, giving the Sundowns a vital away goal and placing them ahead 2-1 on aggregate just before halftime.
In the second half, Sundowns maintained control of the match until a pivotal moment in the 72nd minute. A low shot from ASFAR led to a scramble in the box, where Ronwen Williams collided with Youssef El Fahli while attempting to retrieve the ball. A VAR review resulted in another penalty for ASFAR, but Williams redeemed himself spectacularly by saving Hrimat's attempt, keeping Sundowns firmly in the lead.
Despite ASFAR's continued assault in search of an equalizer, the missed penalty seemed to sap their energy, with fans beginning to depart in the closing minutes as the match concluded with a 1-1 draw. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Mamelodi Sundowns, who become the first South African team to earn the accolade of two stars in African club football.
As reported by supersport.com.
