CAF adjusts Champions League final schedule

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a change to the schedule for the first leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final, reshaping preparations for both finalists ahead of Africa’s biggest club fixture.

The opening encounter between Morocco’s AS FAR and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will now take place on Sunday, May 17, instead of the initially planned Friday, May 15. The second leg remains unchanged and is set for Sunday, May 24 in Rabat.

The first leg will be staged at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, while the decisive return fixture will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where AS FAR will aim to capitalise on home support.

Reports indicate that the rescheduling followed a request from Mamelodi Sundowns, who sought a 48-hour delay due to logistical concerns surrounding attendance, scheduling, and preferred match conditions. The South African side pushed for a weekend fixture to maximise fan turnout and streamline matchday operations, a request that CAF has now approved.

Although the official kick-off time is yet to be confirmed, the adjustment grants Sundowns the Sunday slot they had been targeting.

For AS FAR, the final represents an opportunity to secure only the second Champions League title in the club’s history, and their first since 1985, when they became the first Moroccan side to win the competition. Their journey to the final included a semi-final triumph over RS Berkane, fueling optimism that they can reclaim continental glory.

With the second leg set to be played in Rabat, AS FAR could benefit significantly from home advantage, particularly if they manage a favourable result in Pretoria.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns are chasing their second continental crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 2016. The club remains one of Africa’s most consistent performers in recent years and will be determined to add another title to its growing legacy.

Moroccan clubs have established themselves as a dominant force in African football over the past decade, with sides like Wydad Casablanca, Raja Casablanca, RS Berkane, and now AS FAR consistently reaching the latter stages of continental competitions.