CAF CL final: Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR – Match facts and tactical battle in first leg clash

Mamelodi Sundowns FC and AS FAR are preparing for a blockbuster showdown in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final on Sunday in what promises to be a fascinating clash between two African heavyweights.

The encounter, set to take place in Pretoria, brings together two sides with contrasting strengths and tactical styles as both clubs chase continental glory.

Mamelodi Sundowns enter the final looking to secure their second CAF Champions League title after lifting the trophy in 2016, while AS FAR are aiming to win Africa’s biggest club competition for the first time since 1985.

The two teams are already familiar with each other after facing off twice during the 2024-25 group stage, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws, highlighting how evenly matched the sides have been in recent meetings.

The South African champions will rely heavily on their dominant home form and fluid attacking football, while the Moroccan side arrives with one of the strongest defensive records in the tournament this season.

The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, 17 May 2026, in Tshwane, South Africa, with kickoff set for 16h00 local time and 14h00 GMT.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC remain unbeaten in their last eight home matches against Moroccan opposition in the CAF Champions League, recording four wins and four draws during that period.

This will be Sundowns’ fourth appearance in a CAF Champions League final. The club lost to Al Ahly SC in the 2001 final, defeated Zamalek SC to win the 2016 title, and finished runners-up against Pyramids FC in the 2024-25 edition.

Meanwhile, AS FAR are appearing in the CAF Champions League final for the first time in the modern era and only the third time in the club’s history after previous campaigns in 2007 and 2024-25.

Sundowns also boast an impressive unbeaten home record across the last two CAF Champions League seasons, remaining undefeated in 11 matches with six wins and five draws. The Brazilians have won each of their last three home matches in the competition without conceding a goal.

AS FAR, however, have struggled away from home in Africa, winning only two of their 12 away matches in the CAF Champions League while failing to score in four of their last five road games.

One of the most remarkable statistics ahead of the final involves the Moroccan side’s defensive discipline. AS FAR have not conceded a single first-half goal in the CAF Champions League this season, while all five goals they have allowed came between the 50th and 70th minute.

In contrast, Sundowns have conceded the most first-half goals in the competition this season with six.

Offensively, Sundowns have showcased one of the most sophisticated attacking systems in the tournament. The South African giants have scored six goals from build-up attacks involving sequences of at least 10 passes, three times more than all other teams combined in this season’s competition.

AS FAR’s defensive solidity has also been one of their biggest strengths. The Moroccan side has conceded just five goals in 10 matches, averaging only 0.5 goals conceded per game, the best defensive record in the tournament.

Much of that success has been driven by goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of the campaign. The shot-stopper has prevented an estimated 4.6 goals through his 25 saves, the highest figure among all goalkeepers in this season’s CAF Champions League.

At the other end of the pitch, Brayan León has become Sundowns’ main attacking weapon after scoring five of the club’s last seven goals in the competition. The forward has found the net in each of his last four starts and could make history if he scores in a fifth consecutive CAF Champions League start.

Midfield control is also expected to play a decisive role in the final, with Teboho Mokoena leading Sundowns’ build-up play. The midfielder has been involved in 42 open-play shot-ending sequences this season, the highest total of any player in the tournament.

With elite attacking talent, strong defensive organisation and a place in African football history on the line, all signs point toward a tense and highly competitive first leg between two clubs determined to take a major step toward continental glory.