Sundowns survive Rabat drama to clinch CAF Champions League Crown

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned CAF Champions League winners on Sunday after battling FAR Rabat to a dramatic 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory following their first-leg triumph.

The South African giants survived intense late pressure, a missed penalty scare and a disallowed goal to emerge champions in a pulsating contest played in Rabat.

FAR Rabat, needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit, began the match with urgency and repeatedly threatened the Sundowns defence with aggressive attacking play.

Their pressure eventually paid off in the 40th minute after referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Mohamed Hrimat stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, firing low into the right corner beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to hand the Moroccan side a 1-0 lead on the night.

However, Sundowns responded in dramatic fashion deep into first-half stoppage time. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena unleashed a stunning first-time strike from inside the penalty area, with the ball crashing in off the crossbar to level the scores at 1-1.

The equaliser proved decisive as it restored Sundowns’ aggregate advantage and silenced the home crowd moments before halftime.

The second half produced more tension as FAR Rabat pushed desperately for another goal to revive their hopes.

The Moroccan side were awarded another penalty in the 75th minute after another VAR intervention when Youssef El Fahli went down inside the area.

But Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams emerged the hero, diving brilliantly to his left to save Mohamed Hrimat’s penalty and preserve his side’s aggregate lead.

Williams’ save shifted momentum firmly in favour of the South Africans, who defended resolutely during a tense closing period.

Sundowns thought they had sealed victory in stoppage time when substitute Lebo Mothiba found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Despite eight minutes of added time and relentless pressure from FAR Rabat, Sundowns held on as the referee finally blew the final whistle to confirm their continental triumph.

The victory marks another historic achievement for Mamelodi Sundowns, who once again underlined their dominance in African club football with a disciplined and resilient performance away from home.