Amid lasers, penalties, and deafening noise in Rabat, Mamelodi Sundowns finally conquered Africa again. A moment of brilliance from Teboho Mokoena and a heroic save from Ronwen Williams carried the South African giants to a dramatic CAF Champions League triumph over AS FAR.
For nearly a decade, Sundowns chased this moment. Near misses, painful exits, and growing pressure had followed their famous 2016 triumph. However, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, they finally climbed back to the top of African football.
The journey to the final had already tested them. Their chartered flight to Morocco was delayed after issues with landing permits, and just 24 hours before kickoff, Orlando Pirates ended Sundowns’ eight-year reign as South African champions.
The timing could not have been worse. Questions surrounded the team’s mentality, while head coach Miguel Cardoso entered the biggest match of his career under enormous pressure. Yet football often rewards resilience more than comfort.
AS FAR, backed by nearly 70,000 fans, began with aggression and belief. The atmosphere in Rabat was hostile from the opening whistle, with whistles echoing around the stadium every time Sundowns touched the ball.
The pressure finally cracked Sundowns in the 40th minute. Divine Lunga lost possession inside the box before fouling Reda Slim, allowing Mohamed Hrimat to calmly convert from the penalty spot.
At that point, the tie felt as though it was slipping away. Sundowns looked nervous and disconnected, while AS FAR sensed history. Then came the moment that changed everything.
Seven minutes into first-half stoppage time, Teboho Mokoena produced a strike worthy of a final. After beginning the move himself, the midfielder arrived perfectly inside the box before smashing a half-volley off the underside of the crossbar.
The goal stunned the stadium into silence. More importantly, because away goals still count in CAF competition, AS FAR suddenly needed two more goals to reclaim control of the final.
Sundowns still had work to do. In the second half, nerves returned when AS FAR won another penalty after Ronwen Williams spilled a low shot and brought down Youssef El Fahli while trying to recover possession.
The Sundowns captain responded like champions do. Williams dived sharply to his left to save Hrimat’s second penalty, despite lasers flashing into his eyes from the stands.
That moment broke AS FAR’s momentum completely. Sundowns grew stronger with every minute, moving the ball with greater confidence while the home crowd slowly lost its voice.
Even a late disallowed goal from substitute Lebo Mothiba could not stop the celebrations. When the final whistle arrived, Sundowns had secured a 2-1 aggregate victory and become the first South African club to win two CAF Champions League titles.
For Cardoso, it was redemption after losing two previous finals. For Sundowns, it was proof that their dominance extends beyond domestic football.
