AS FAR make history by retaining CAF Women’s Champions League title

AS FAR became the first African women’s club to successfully defend the CAF Women’s Champions League title after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in the 2026 final at the Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday.

Imane Touriss scored twice and Hiba Youssoufi was also on target as the Moroccan side overcame Sundowns in another final between the two clubs. AS FAR had defeated the South African champions in the 2022 edition, while Refilwe Tholakele scored Sundowns’ only goal this time.

The victory secured AS FAR $600 000 (R10-million) in prize money, as well as a place in a play-off next month against Korean side Naegohyang WFC. The match will determine qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

Godfrey Sapula named the same Sundowns side that started the semi-final victory over Kawempe Muslism Ladies. The final began cautiously, with both teams assessing one another before Sundowns created the first clear opening in the seventh minute.

Tholakele found Ronnel Donnelly inside the penalty area, but the striker collided with a defender and the goalkeeper before she could finish.

Sundowns went close again four minutes later. A combination between Nonhalnhla Mthandi and Kholosa ‘Fox’ Biyana released Lelona Daweti in the box, but with only the goalkeeper to beat, Daweti shot wide.

Those missed opportunities proved costly when Touriss opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. She capitalised after Fox lost possession just outside her own penalty area to give AS FAR the advantage.

Sundowns responded almost immediately. Mthandi created the equaliser for Tholakele in the 25th minute, restoring parity after just two minutes.

AS FAR regained the lead before half-time when Youssoufi finished in the 37th minute following a pass from captain Ghizlane Chebbak. The Moroccan side went into the interval 2-1 ahead.

Sundowns made two substitutions at the break. Palesa Moletsane replaced goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who had suffered an injury late in the first half, while Nthabiseng Majiya came on for Daweti.

The COSAFA champions continued to reach the AS FAR penalty area after the restart, although most of their opportunities were half-chances.

Majiya came closest to an equaliser in the 67th minute when she reacted first to a rebound from Cesane. Her effort was deflected behind for a corner, however, and Sundowns were unable to find a second goal.

AS FAR settled the final 10 minutes later when Touriss scored her second. She met a pass from Fatima Tagnaout and slipped the ball under Moletsane to make it 3-1.

Sundowns will now return home to play their outstanding Hollywoodbets Super League matches with the championship play-off stage approaching.

The result also made AS FAR the outright most successful team in the CAF Women’s Champions League, with three titles – one more than Sundowns.