Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR will renew their growing continental rivalry on Sunday when they clash in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Both clubs are chasing a second African title and arrive in the final carrying the expectations of two football-mad nations desperate for continental glory.
Sundowns are aiming to return to the summit of African football for the first time since 2016, while Moroccan giants AS FAR are seeking to end a 41-year wait since becoming the first Moroccan club to win the continent’s premier club competition in 1985.
With a record USD 6 million prize awaiting the winners, the stage is set for one of the most compelling CAF Champions League finals in recent years. The first leg in Pretoria could prove decisive before the return encounter in Rabat next week.
The two sides already know each other well after meeting during the group stages of the previous campaign, where both matches ended in 1-1 draws. Those results reinforced the sense that very little separates the teams heading into Sunday’s showdown.
Sundowns enter the final carrying the weight of expectation after another dominant domestic season, despite recent setbacks in the South African Premiership title race.
Coach Miguel Cardoso was brought to Pretoria specifically to restore continental dominance, and reaching the final has strengthened belief that the Portuguese tactician may yet deliver the trophy the club craves most.
The South African champions remain formidable at home. Sundowns are unbeaten in their last eight home matches against Moroccan opposition in the CAF Champions League and have lost just once at home in the competition over the last five seasons.
Their attacking threat has been led by Colombian striker Brayan León, whose goals in the semi-finals against Espérance helped drive the club into a second consecutive final.
Yet there are concerns for Cardoso ahead of the encounter. Injuries in central defence have disrupted preparations, with Keanu Cupido doubtful and Grant Kekana suspended. Sundowns have also shown defensive vulnerability recently, conceding seven goals across their last two matches in all competitions.
AS FAR, however, arrive in Pretoria with growing confidence of their own. The Moroccan side have built their campaign on discipline, organisation and one of the strongest defensive records in the competition.
They have conceded just five goals in 10 Champions League matches this season and showed remarkable resilience during their semi-final victory over RS Berkane.
Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos has transformed FAR into one of the continent’s most tactically disciplined teams since taking charge earlier this year. His side are comfortable without possession and dangerous on transitions, qualities that could frustrate Sundowns in front of their home supporters.
The Moroccan giants will also draw confidence from their away resilience. Although they have struggled for wins on the road at times this season, they have repeatedly shown the ability to remain compact under pressure and keep ties alive heading into home fixtures.
Sunday’s match is expected to be shaped by contrasting styles. Sundowns will likely dominate possession with their aggressive passing game and attacking width, while FAR may focus on defensive organisation and counter-attacks before attempting to finish the job in Rabat.
The final also represents a significant moment for African football financially. CAF confirmed that the winners will receive a record USD 6 million prize, part of a broader increase in investment designed to strengthen club football across the continent.
For Sundowns, victory would cement their status as the dominant force in modern South African football. For AS FAR, it would complete one of the most remarkable stories in this season’s competition and bring Morocco another continental crown.
With two experienced squads, two ambitious Portuguese coaches and little separating the finalists on paper, the first leg in Pretoria promises to deliver another memorable night in African club football.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
