AS FAR have landed safely in South Africa as preparations intensify for a heavyweight CAF Champions League final showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday at the Tshwane Stadium in Pretoria.

The Moroccan giants touched down ahead of the first leg of the decisive tie, which pits two of the continent’s most storied clubs against each other in pursuit of African glory.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT), with anticipation building for a match that promises both intensity and high stakes as Sundowns host the opening leg on home soil.

The final brings together two former African champions, each carrying its own history and ambition.

Mamelodi Sundowns, champions in 2016, are targeting a second continental crown to reinforce their growing stature on the African stage.

AS FAR, meanwhile, are chasing a return to the summit of African club football, 41 years after their last triumph in 1985.

Beyond the prestige attached to lifting the continent’s most coveted club trophy, there is also significant financial reward at stake.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the winners of this season’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will take home a record USD 6 million, marking a 50 percent increase in prize money.

With history, pride and a lucrative prize on the line, all eyes will turn to Pretoria this weekend as the first chapter of the final unfolds.

CAF Champions League: AS FAR arrive in South Africa ahead of final first leg against Sundowns