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 3-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in Ismailia, Egypt, on Sunday.

The Moroccan side secured the trophy at Suez Canal Stadium after a commanding performance, denying Sundowns a third title in the competition. The South African club had previously won the tournament in 2021 and 2023, while finishing runners-up in 2022.

Imane Touriss gave AS FAR the lead in the 23rd minute, but Sundowns responded almost immediately through Refilwe Tholakele.

Hiba Youssoufi restored the Moroccan club’s advantage eight minutes before half-time, before Touriss scored again in the 77th minute to complete her brace and settle the final.

Sundowns, coached by Godfrey Sapula, started positively. An early free-kick from deep caused problems in the AS FAR defence, with centre-back Aziza Rabbah losing her balance as her attempted headed clearance looped towards the top of goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi’s net.

AS FAR gradually imposed themselves, however, using their strength and control in possession to force Sundowns on to the back foot.

Their opener came after defensive midfielder Kholosa Biyana gave the ball away just outside the Pretoria club’s penalty area. Touriss took a few touches forward before producing a precise low finish beyond goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Sundowns levelled two minutes later. Tholakele won a throw-in close to the left-hand goal-line before receiving the ball back and firing a superb finish from a narrow angle past Errmichi.

AS FAR regained the lead before the interval following another incisive attack. Fatima Tagnaout found space on the left and played the ball across the area. Ghizlane Chebbak was unable to control it, allowing Youssoufi to take possession and shoot. Her effort took a deflection on its way past Dlamini.

Sundowns pushed for a second equaliser after the break but struggled to penetrate an organised and disciplined AS FAR defensive structure.

The Moroccan side then delivered the decisive blow 13 minutes from time. Youssoufi sent the ball forward to Tagnaout, who had space on the right. The winger cut inside before slipping a pass to Touriss, who finished beyond Dlamini to complete the scoring.

The defeat came in Sundowns’ fourth final appearance, ending their hopes of adding another Caf Women’s Champions League crown to their previous successes.