African Football
Sundowns Crowned African Champions Again After Draw In Rabat
Mamelodi Sundowns cemented their status as a continental powerhouse on Sunday night.
They won the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy for the second time in their history. A composed and resilient display in Rabat saw them hold FAR Rabat to a tense 1-1 draw, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory.
And reclaiming Africa’s most prestigious club title eight years after their first triumph.
A Night of Pressure
The return leg at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium carried the emotional weight and electricity expected of a Moroccan final. FAR Rabat entered the contest needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from Pretoria. And their approach reflected that urgency.
Driven by a roaring home crowd, they pressed relentlessly and controlled long stretches of the early exchanges.
Despite the hostile atmosphere and waves of pressure, Sundowns maintained remarkable defensive organisation. Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido, Ndamane, and Divine Lunga formed a resilient back line that absorbed the hosts’ repeated incursions.
FAR Rabat captain Mohamed Hrimat threatened early with a header that sailed over the bar. But Sundowns refused to panic.
Gradually, their composure began to show. Tashreeq Matthews registered the visitors’ first meaningful attempt with a strike from distance that drifted narrowly wide.
This offers a reminder that Sundowns could be dangerous even with limited possession.
Drama Before the Break
Mamelodi Sundowns are African champions after a 2-1 aggregate success
The match’s tempo shifted dramatically ten minutes before halftime. A VAR review penalised Divine Lunga for a challenge on Reda Slim, giving FAR Rabat the lifeline they desperately sought.
Hrimat stepped up and coolly slotted home in the 40th minute, levelling the tie and sending the stadium into frenzy.
But Sundowns’ response was immediate and emphatic. Deep into stoppage time, Brayan León delivered a teasing cross, and Matthews intelligently redirected it into the path of Teboho Mokoena. And the midfielder unleashed a thunderous first-time strike.
The ball crashed off the underside of the crossbar and over the line a moment of brilliance that restored Sundowns’ aggregate lead at the perfect time.
Second Half
Miguel Cardoso made a strategic adjustment at halftime, introducing Marcelo Allende to help his side grip the midfield and slow FAR Rabat’s momentum. But the hosts continued to push relentlessly, fuelled by necessity and the energy of the occasion.
Hrimat once again came close with a header from a corner that shaved past the post.
This was a warning to Sundowns that the tie was far from over. The real turning point arrived in the 74th minute when yet another VAR intervention awarded FAR Rabat a second penalty. This happened after goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was judged to have fouled Youssef El Fahli.
Hrimat stepped up again, aiming to drag his side level on aggregate. This time, however, Williams produced an iconic moment diving at full stretch to parry the effort and preserve Sundowns’ lead.
It was the save that defined the final. It broke FAR Rabat’s momentum and reaffirmed Sundowns’ belief that the night belonged to them.
They nearly sealed it moments later through a move involving Arthur Sales and Jayden Adams. But the latter’s effort went wide. A disallowed goal for Lebogang Mothiba added late tension. Yet Sundowns’ disciplined structure never wavered.
A Victory Grounded in Discipline and Big Moments
The final whistle confirmed what their performance deserved Mamelodi Sundowns are African champions once more.
Their triumph rested on impeccable defensive organisation. A world-class strike from Mokoena, and an unforgettable penalty save from Williams.
For Miguel Cardoso, this title carries special significance. After previous disappointments in continental finals. He finally secured Africa’s biggest club prize, guiding Sundowns to redemption following last year’s loss to Pyramids FC.
Eight Years Later, the Brazilians Rise Again
Sundowns’ last Champions League crown came in 2016. Since then, they have dominated South African football, built continental consistency, and invested heavily in their playing philosophy.
But African supremacy had eluded them until Sunday night.
Their 2024–25 campaign reflected a club that has learned, grown, and adapted. A 1-0 win in Pretoria gave them the platform; a gritty, intelligent display in Rabat finished the job.
