Mamelodi Sundowns’ disciplined march to CAF Champions League final

Mamelodi Sundowns are once again on the brink of continental glory after booking a second consecutive place in the CAF Champions League final, where they will face Morocco’s AS FAR over two legs.

This marks a fourth appearance in Africa’s elite club final for the South African champions, who lifted the trophy in 2016 but fell short in 2001 and again in 2025. Their latest campaign has demanded resilience, with 12 matches producing seven wins, three draws and two defeats on a demanding route to the decider.

Early dominance against Remo Stars

Sundowns entered the competition in the second round and immediately imposed themselves with authority against Nigeria’s Remo Stars. A commanding 5-1 away win in Abeokuta set the tone, with goals from Tashreeq Matthews, Peter Shalulile, Miguel Reisinho, Arthur Sales and Tsiki Ntsabeleng.

They completed the job at home with a 2-0 victory, Shalulile and Nuno Santos sealing a comfortable aggregate win and progression into the group stage.

Testing group stage battle

The group phase proved more demanding than expected. Sundowns opened with a 3-1 win over St Eloi Lupopo, before being held 0-0 by MC Alger away and drawing 2-2 with Al Hilal at home.

A 2-1 defeat in Sudan added further pressure, and a 1-1 draw away to Lupopo left qualification in doubt. However, a decisive 2-0 home win over MC Alger ensured progression, with Brayan Leon scoring twice to secure second place in the group behind Al Hilal.

Quarter-final scare against Stade Malien

The quarter-finals brought further tension against Mali’s Stade Malien. A dominant 3-0 first-leg win in Pretoria suggested control, with goals from Khuliso Mudau, Leon and Iqraam Rayners.

Yet the return leg in Bamako tested their composure as Sundowns fell 2-0, narrowly advancing on aggregate after a late scare.

Semifinal mastery over Esperance

In the last four, Sundowns faced familiar opponents in Tunisia’s Esperance for the third straight season. This time, they prevailed on both occasions.

A disciplined 1-0 away win set the foundation, with Leon again decisive, before he repeated the feat in Pretoria to complete a 2-0 aggregate triumph and send Sundowns into the final.

Final dates confirmed

The final will be staged over two legs, with the first on Sunday, 17 May at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria at 18:00, and the return leg on Sunday, 24 May at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat at 21:00 (SA time).