AS FAR Rabat beat Mamelodi Sundowns to win 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League

AS FAR Rabat claimed the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League title with a commanding 3-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Sunday.

The Moroccan side took control of the final through two goals from Imane Touriss and another from Hiba Youssoufi, denying Sundowns a third triumph in the competition.

Sundowns, who won the tournament in 2021 and 2023 and finished runners-up in 2022, were appearing in their fourth final. However, coach Godfrey Sapula’s side could not add to their two titles.

The South African champions started positively, with an early free-kick from deep causing problems for AS FAR. Centre-back Aziza Rabbah was unsettled as she attempted to clear, sending a looping header on to the top netting of goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi’s goal.

AS FAR soon began to impose themselves, using their strength in possession to force Sundowns on to the back foot.

The opening goal arrived in the 23rd minute after Sundowns defensive midfielder Kholosa Biyana gave the ball away just outside the box. Touriss collected possession, moved forward and produced a precise low finish beyond goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Sundowns responded almost immediately. Refilwe Tholakele won a throw-in close to the left-hand byline before receiving the ball back. From a tight angle, the forward struck a powerful effort past Errmichi to make it 1-1 in the 25th minute.

The equaliser did not change the momentum for long. AS FAR continued to threaten and restored their advantage eight minutes later.

Fatima Tagnaout found space on the left and delivered a low ball into the area. Ghizlane Chebbak was unable to bring it under control, allowing Youssoufi to react first. Her effort took a deflection on its way past Dlamini, giving the Moroccan club a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Sundowns pushed forward after the interval in search of another equaliser, but AS FAR’s disciplined defensive organisation kept them from turning their pressure into clear chances.

The Moroccan side then secured the trophy with a third goal in the 77th minute.

Youssoufi sent the ball forward to Tagnaout, who had space on the right but still had work to do. The winger cut inside before slipping a pass to Touriss, who completed her brace with a finish beyond Dlamini.

The goal effectively settled the final and confirmed AS FAR Rabat as 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League winners.