Sundowns’ Flight Disruption Affects CAF Champions League Final Preparations
Mamelodi Sundowns’ build‑up to the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR was thrown into disarray after the side was denied landing clearance in Morocco. According to a report by TimesLIVE, the team’s charter flight was prevented from departing OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday morning because the North African country’s aviation authority had not granted permission to land[1]. After several hours on the tarmac, the players were forced to return to Johannesburg, losing a full day of training that had been earmarked for acclimatising to the Rabat climate and pitch conditions.
Travel Issues and Lost Training Day
The delay meant that Sundowns arrived in Rabat only on Wednesday, cutting short their usual pre‑match routine. Coach Miguel Cardoso had planned a series of tactical sessions and recovery work on Tuesday, which now had to be compressed into a single day. The lost session is particularly significant given the high stakes of the second leg, where Sundowns carry a slender 1‑0 advantage from the first leg played in Pretoria.
- First‑leg goal: defender Aubrey Modiba scored the lone goal that gave Sundowns the lead.
- Match context: the Pretoria encounter was marred by crowd violence and a malfunctioning VAR system, adding pressure on both sides.
- Travel impact: the team missed a full day of tactical preparation and environmental adaptation.
Tactical Decisions Ahead of Second Leg
With defender Grant Kekana set to return from a suspension incurred in the semi‑final first leg against Esperance, speculation arose over how Cardoso would integrate him into the back‑line. Former Sundowns player Thabo Nthethe, speaking to Sowetan, advised against dropping either Khulumani Ndamane or Keanu Cupido, who partnered in central defence during the first leg[2]. Nthethe argued that the pairing had shown good communication and no discernible errors, and suggested that Kekana could be utilized from the bench rather than starting.
Cardoso had previously noted that Ndamane was experiencing fatigue after a series of demanding domestic league fixtures, raising questions about his availability for the return of Kekana. Nonetheless, Nthethe’s recommendation emphasizes continuity:
“I think he can be on the bench but not in the starting line‑up.” – Thabo Nthethe[2]
Reactions and Accusations of Gamesmanship
The flight obstruction has prompted accusations of gamesmanship from Moroccan observers, who contend that the delay was engineered to limit Sundowns’ time to adapt to Rabat’s conditions. While no official statement from CAF or Moroccan authorities has confirmed intent, the incident has added an extra layer of tension to an already high‑profile final.
Despite the logistical setback, Sundowns remain focused on protecting their lead. The squad will look to rely on the defensive stability demonstrated in the first leg, the experience of returning players like Kekana, and the attacking threat that secured the away goal in Pretoria.
References
- TimesLIVE. “Sundowns’ flight to Morocco delayed after landing permission denied.” Accessed November 2025. https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/football/2025/11/02/sundowns-flight-delay
- Sowetan. “Thabo Nthethe advises Cardoso to keep Ndamane and Cupido in defence.” Accessed November 2025. https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/football/2025/11/03/nthethe-advice
- Confederation of African Football (CAF). “Champions League final match officials and venue details.” Accessed November 2025. https://www.cafonline.com/champions-league/final-2025
