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Rabat – AS FAR face Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday as part of the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League final.
The match is one of the biggest African club clashes of the season.
The South African side are chasing their second continental title after their historic triumph in 2016, while AS FAR hope to bring the trophy back to Rabat for the first time since 1985.
The first leg will take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday, before the return leg heads to Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat a week later.
Match Details
First Leg:
- Fixture: Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR
- Competition: CAF Champions League Final
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
- Date: Sunday, May 17
- Kick-off: 15:00 Morocco local time (14:00 GMT+1)
How to watch: SuperSport (DStv) in South Africa; beIN Sports and beIN Connect across the Middle East and North Africa.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. AS FAR. Pick your side. 🗳️#TotalEnergiesCAFCL | @1xBet_Eng pic.twitter.com/9E4EX0pg5I
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) May 17, 2026
Mamelodi Sundowns team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Sundowns enter the final with defensive concerns. Mothobi Mvala remains sidelined with a long-term injury, while Keanu Cupido is doubtful after picking up an issue against Kaizer Chiefs. Grant Kekana is also expected to miss the first leg due to suspension.
Recent form: Sundowns arrive under pressure after a disappointing domestic run. Miguel Cardoso’s side recently lost 3-2 to TS Galaxy, a result that weakened their grip on the South African league title race.
Defensively, Sundowns have looked unusually vulnerable, conceding seven goals across their last two matches in all competitions.
Key players: Captain Ronwen Williams will be central after a difficult recent stretch. Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena remain the creative heartbeat of midfield, while Brazilian winger Lucas Ribeiro and Brayan León offer danger in transition and attack.
Likely XI: Ronwen Williams; Aubrey Modiba, Kegan Johannes, Khulumani Ndamane, Khuliso Mudau; Jayden Adams, Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena; Tashreeq Matthews, Brayan León, Nuno Santos.
AS FAR team news
Injuries/Suspensions: AS FAR have not reported major absences ahead of the final, though fatigue could become a major factor after a packed schedule in recent weeks.
Recent form: The Moroccan side continue to balance domestic and continental ambitions and will play their eighth match within a single month across all competitions. Despite the demanding calendar, AS FAR have shown consistency and resilience throughout their CAF Champions League campaign.
The Rabat club are now one step away from ending a four-decade wait for African glory.
Key players: Ahmed Hammoudan’s experience and creativity could be decisive, while Mohamed Hrimat will play a key role in midfield control. Up front, Youssef El Fahli and Abdelfettah Hadraf provide pace and movement capable of troubling Sundowns’ weakened defense.
Likely XI: Ahmed Tagnaouti; Tó Carneiro, Fallou Mendy, Marouane Louadni, Anas Bach; Ahmed Hammoudan, Mohamed Hrimat, Nolan Mbemba, Reda Slim; Youssef El Fahli, Abdelfettah Hadraf.
What to expect
This final could develop into a highly intense and balanced tactical contest between Sundowns’ possession-based football and AS FAR’s compact defensive structure combined with quick attacking transitions.
Sundowns are expected to control possession in Pretoria and push aggressively for a first-leg advantage, but their recent defensive fragility could leave spaces for AS FAR to exploit on the counterattack.
The Moroccan side may approach the match with patience and discipline, knowing that an away victory, or even multiple away goals, could place them in a very strong position before the return leg in Rabat.
With the away-goals rule still active in the CAF Champions League, every goal could prove decisive across the two-legged final.
Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-2 AS FAR.
