Mamelodi Sundowns and FAR Rabat have taken a significant step toward the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final after both sides secured convincing first-leg victories in their respective semi-final clashes.
In Tunisia, Sundowns delivered a disciplined and resilient performance to edge past Espérance de Tunis with a narrow 1-0 win in Rades. The decisive moment came shortly after halftime when Brayan Leon rose highest to meet a precise cross from Thapelo Morena, nodding home what proved to be the match-winning goal.
Espérance believed they had restored parity midway through the second half when substitute Aboubacar Diakité found the net.
However, the celebrations were quickly silenced as VAR intervened, ruling the goal out due to a foul on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in the buildup.
The South African champions were forced to dig deep in the closing stages after Grant Kekana was sent off in the 84th minute.
The finish that made the difference, seen from every angle 🔥🎯#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/0caDDq6BTw
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 13, 2026
Despite being reduced to ten men, Sundowns showed composure and defensive solidity to preserve their slim advantage ahead of the decisive second leg scheduled for Sunday.
Meanwhile, in Morocco, RS Berkane fell short in an all-Moroccan showdown as FAR Rabat asserted their dominance with a 2-0 victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
After a tightly contested first half, FAR Rabat found their rhythm after the break. Ahmed Hammoudan broke the deadlock before Khalid Ait Ourkhan added a second to give the hosts a comfortable cushion.
The match, played in front of a packed and energetic crowd, highlighted FAR’s growing confidence at a crucial stage of the competition.
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With both ties finely poised, attention now turns to the return legs on April 18, where the finalists will be decided.
Sundowns and FAR Rabat will aim to capitalize on their first-leg successes, while their opponents face an uphill battle to overturn the deficits and keep their continental dreams alive.
