2025-26 CAF Champions League:
- Final (2nd Leg): AS FAR (Morocco) 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
- Aggregate: Mamelodi Sundowns won 2-1 on aggregate
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, home of Uganda legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango lifted the CAF Champions League trophy for the second time in history since their founding year in 1970.
Before a fully packed intimidating Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Brazilians held their nerves, displayed a gallant performance with composed play, good solid defence and occasional counterattacks.
The return leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroocco’s AS FAR ended 1-all with the former triumphing 2-1 on aggregate.
AS FAR commenced the game brilliantly, creating the better scoring opportunities not put to bed, thanks to the organizational discipline from the visitors.
The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when skipper Mohamed Rabie Hrimat sent Williams the wrong way from 12 yards after a VAR checked penalty.
In the closing moments of the 7 added minutes before the climax of the first half, Teboho Mokoena volleyed home from close range for a life-line of Mamelodi Sundowns.
As the visitors celebrated at one side of the corner flag, a section of fans threw water bottles and other missiles towards the players.
The second half witnessed a shift in power. Mamelodi Sundowns ventured upfront often with quicker breaks as AS FAR maintained their first half momentum.
Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan awarded a second penalty to the hosts with 14 minutes to play after a VAR referee.
This time round Hrimat’s shot to goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ left was saved as the ball flew over for a corner kick.
The stadium went dumb at this stage and many frustrated fans were seen walking out of the stadium. Mamelodi Sundowns held onto the game until full time.
The handful of yellow decorated fans caged at the apex of the gigantic stadium celebrated in the stands as so did the fans on the green grass.
Mamelodi Sundowns, winning their second CAF Champions League trophy since 2016 pocketed USD 6,000,000 for the hard toiled sweat and effort.
Only two Mamelodi Sundowns’ players Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango survive from the triumphant 2016 squad.
Today when I was sleeping, I saw myself scoring a goal like that. I have been saying to my family I hope God is on our side tonight and He was. I am very grateful, I am very happy. I know how much it means for everyone back home. The staff, everyone, Mom Zo in the kitchen, our supporters – a small group, our 57 people home. I am very excited, I do not know what to say next time we are gonna wear this jersey, it is going to have two stars, so I’m very happy.
Teboho Mokoena
