South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a narrow but valuable 1-0 victory against AS FAR Rabat in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday evening.
The decisive moment arrived late in the first half when defender Aubrey Modiba produced a moment of brilliance from a set-piece. The left-back curled a powerful free kick over the defensive wall and beyond the goalkeeper in the 37th minute, sending the home supporters into celebration after a tense opening period.
Ready for continental battle 💪#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #AreyengMasandawanaUntilItsDone pic.twitter.com/WvXQuOBLJz
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 17, 2026
Although the contest began evenly, Sundowns gradually established control and looked the more dangerous side as the game progressed. The hosts dominated large portions of the second half, repeatedly threatening the visitors’ defence with swift attacking moves and sustained pressure in the final third.
Despite their superiority, Sundowns were left frustrated by missed opportunities, with Bryan Leone wasting some of the clearest chances to extend the advantage and put the tie further beyond the Moroccan side.
The encounter also experienced an unusual interruption after the halftime break when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system encountered technical difficulties. Play was briefly delayed before officials managed to restore the system later in the match.
The Brazilians stood tall in the 1st leg of the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL final and delivered when it mattered most 👆
Yellow Nation, thank you for your support 💛#Sundowns #AreyengMasandawanaUntilItsDone pic.twitter.com/9N1DoSqgVE
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 18, 2026
AS FAR Rabat, however, remained disciplined at the back and will feel encouraged heading into the return leg after limiting the damage to a single goal away from home. Their organised defensive display ensured they stayed firmly in contention ahead of next Sunday’s decisive second leg in Morocco.
For Sundowns, the victory maintains their impressive run in continental football this season as they continue chasing a second CAF Champions League crown, having last lifted the prestigious trophy in 2016.
