AS FAR defeat Mamelodi Sundowns to retain CAF Womens Champions League title

Mamelodi Sundowns’ bid for a third CAF Women’s Champions League crown ended with a 3-1 defeat by AS FAR in the final at Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday evening.

AS FAR became the first team since the competition began to win the title in successive years, while also securing their third crown overall.

Sundowns made a difficult start as Imane Touriss capitalised on a loose ball on the edge of the area and shot beyond the diving Andile Dlamini to put the defending champions ahead.

Their advantage lasted only a minute.

Refilwe Tholakele restored parity for Masandawana after arriving on the far side of the area and curling the ball into the top corner.

AS FAR regained the lead during the final 10 minutes of the first half. Hiba Youssoufi reacted first to another loose ball near the edge of the box, with her effort taking a deflection on its way past Dlamini.

Sundowns made two changes at half-time. Dlamini did not return for the second half and was replaced by Katlego Moletsane, while Lalona Daweti made way for Nthabiseng Majiya.

The South African side began the second period positively and tried to apply pressure to the title holders. Siyanda Mthathi produced a well-worked effort, but it failed to result in a meaningful opportunity.

Majiya then pushed forward from deep and got a shot away inside the area, only for the attempt to take a deflection and go behind for a corner.

AS FAR absorbed the pressure by defending deep before threatening on the counter-attack. A move down the right side of the area ended with a cutback towards Touriss, who was unmarked and tapped in to complete her brace.

The goal gave AS FAR greater control as Sundowns searched for another response. Despite sustained pressure later in the match, Masandawana could not find a way through.

The victory confirmed AS FAR as champions for the second consecutive year and established them as the first side to win the CAF Women’s Champions League three times.