Mamelodi Sundowns Secure Slim Victory Over AS FAR in CAF Champions League Final First Leg
By Mahlatse Mphahle
On a rainy evening at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns edged past Moroccan side AS FAR 1‑0 in the opening match of the 2025 CAF Champions League final. The solitary goal came from a thunderous free‑kick by left‑back Aubrey Modiba in the 37th minute, giving the Brazilians a slender advantage ahead of the return leg in Rabat.
Modiba’s Decisive Set‑Piece
After Matthews was fouled by Yunis Abdelhamid just outside the penalty area, referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala awarded a direct free‑kick. Modiba stepped up and curled the ball over the wall, leaving goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti rooted to his spot. The strike exemplified the composure Sundowns have shown in previous continental campaigns, drawing on their extensive experience in the CAF Champions League.
VAR Malfunction and Crowd Disturbances
The second half began with an unusual delay. At the restart, the VAR system failed, prompting Ndala to halt play for approximately 23 minutes while technicians attempted to restore the technology. According to the CAF match officials’ protocol, the game proceeded without VAR once it was confirmed that the system could not be fixed immediately. Shortly after play resumed, sporadic clashes erupted between sections of the crowd, necessitating intervention from stadium security. The disturbances were quelled without further interruption to the match.
Tactical Choices by Coach Miguel Cardoso
Heading into the fixture, Cardoso made two notable selection decisions. First, he handed a starting berth to defender Keanu Cupido, who had been nursing an injury, pairing him with Khulumani Ndamane in central defence. The move aimed to shore up a backline that had conceded seven goals in the Sundowns’ last two Premier Soccer League outings. Second, the coach entrusted young winger Kutlwano Letlhaku with the right‑flank role, where he repeatedly troubled AS FAR left‑back Augusto Carneiro.
These adjustments paid dividends defensively; Sundowns limited the Moroccans to few clear‑cut chances despite efforts from attackers Reda Slim, Youssef Alfahli and Ahmed Hammoudan. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, assisted by Cupido and Ndamane, kept a clean sheet.
Second‑Half Opportunities and Areas for Improvement
After the break, Sundowns created several promising opportunities. In the 57th minute, Brayan León’s close‑range effort rattled the crossbar, and moments later he missed two successive chances that could have doubled the lead. Around the hour mark, Letlhaku forced a smart save from Tagnaouti after a swift interchange on the right wing.
Despite the pressure, the Brazilians struggled with final‑third precision. A series of misplaced passes and hurried shots prevented them from converting dominance into additional goals. Cardoso attempted to inject fresh impetus by bringing on Divine Lunga and Monnapule Saleng for Modiba and Letlhaku in the 75th minute, followed by Marcelo Allende for Nuno Santos ten minutes from time, seeking to add steel to midfield.
The best late chance arrived when Mokoena’s free‑kick struck the post; the rebound fell harmlessly as Tagnaouti gathered the ball. The match ended 1‑0, leaving Sundowns with a narrow but valuable lead.
Looking Ahead: The Second Leg in Rabat
Sundowns will travel to Morocco for the return fixture aware that a one‑goal margin offers little comfort in a two‑leg tie. Cardoso has highlighted the need to improve attacking cohesion, reduce giveaways, and capitalize on the chances that were created in the first leg. The experience gained from navigating VAR disruptions and managing crowd tension will also be valuable as the team prepares for a hostile environment in Rabat.
Ultimately, the outcome will hinge on whether the Brazilians can translate their defensive solidity into a more clinical offensive performance—a challenge they have faced repeatedly in recent domestic matches but one they are well‑placed to overcome given their pedigree in continental competition.
- Goal scorer: Aubrey Modiba (37’)
- Key defensive pairing: Keanu Cupido & Khulumani Ndamane
- Notable attacking contributions: Kutlwano Letlhaku (right wing), Brayan León (midfield)
- Match officials: Referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala (VAR malfunction noted)
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
- Date: 26 September 2025 (first leg)
