Mamelodi Sundowns clinch second CAF Champions League title
On Sunday, 30 June 2024, Mamelodi Sundowns secured their second African Champions League crown after a hard‑fought 2‑1 aggregate victory over FAR Rabat. The South African side, often nicknamed “the Brazilians” because of their bright yellow kits, lifted the trophy for the first time since 2016, avenging a narrow loss to Pyramids FC in the 2023 final.
Match recap: first leg sets the tone
The opening leg, played at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, saw Sundowns take an early lead through a well‑worked move finished by Gaston Sirino. FAR Rabat levelled just before halftime when Mohamed Hrimat converted a penalty after Reda Slim was brought down by Divine Lunga. The 1‑1 draw left the tie delicately poised for the return leg in Johannesburg.
Second leg: drama, saves and a late winner
Sundowns began the second leg at Loftus Versfeld with the same 1‑0 advantage from the first match. Just before the break, Teboho Mokoena’s strike rattled the underside of the crossbar, reminding both sides of the fine margins involved. In the 74th minute, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams conceded a second penalty after fouling Youssef El Fahli. Williams, however, redeemed himself by saving Hrimat’s spot‑kick, preserving the lead.
With the aggregate score at 2‑1, Sundowns held on to claim the trophy. The victory marks the Moroccan club’s second appearance in the final, having previously won the competition in 1985.
Context and significance
Sundowns’ triumph adds to a storied continental pedigree. Under head coach Rulani Mokwena, the team has consistently blended tactical discipline with flair, earning the “Brazilians” moniker for their attacking style and kit colours. The club’s previous CAF Champions League success came in 2016 when they defeated Zamalek SC in the final.
Analysts note that Sundowns’ depth in midfield—featuring players such as Teboho Mokoena, Gaston Sirino, and Andile Jali—allowed them to absorb pressure and transition quickly. Former Bafana Bafana captain and current pundit Aaron Mokoena highlighted the squad’s experience in high‑stakes matches as a decisive factor (BBC Sport, 2024).
Reactions from the camp
- Rulani Mokwena (head coach): “This is for every Sundowns supporter who believed in us during the tough moments. The players showed character and quality when it mattered most.”
- Ronwen Williams (goalkeeper): “Saving that penalty was a huge relief, but the real credit goes to the whole team for staying focused throughout the two legs.”
- Gaston Sirino (midfielder): “Winning the Champions League again proves we belong among Africa’s elite. We’ll keep pushing for more.”
Looking ahead
With the continental title secured, Mamelodi Sundowns will now represent Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia later this year. The club’s management has expressed ambitions to strengthen the squad further, targeting both domestic dominance and a strong showing on the global stage (CAF Official Site, 2024).
For fans across South Africa and beyond, the victory serves as a reminder of the enduring competitiveness of South African football on the continental stage. As the celebrations continue in Pretoria’s streets, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and building on this historic achievement.
