Mamelodi Sundowns have moved closer to the 2026 CAF Champions League title after Aubrey Modiba’s goal sealed a 1-0 win over AS FAR at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.
Sundowns will take a narrow advantage into the second leg next weekend.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS 1-0 AS FAR
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The opening stages saw Sundowns dominate possession and territory, but the Moroccan side proved difficult to break down defensively. Despite the pressure from the home side, AS FAR still looked dangerous on transition and managed to launch several threatening counter-attacks during the first half.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute through Aubrey Modiba. The Sundowns defender produced a superb free-kick from just outside the penalty area, curling the ball beyond the goalkeeper to hand Masandawana a deserved 1-0 lead.
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MAMELODI SUNDOWNS MISSED CHANCES TO EXTEND LEAD
Sundowns returned strongly after the break and controlled large periods of the second half as they searched for a second goal to strengthen their advantage before the trip to Morocco.
However, the Tshwane giants were repeatedly frustrated in front of goal, with Brayan León missing three clear scoring opportunities during an intense spell of pressure from the hosts.
AS FAR continued to threaten occasionally on the counter, forcing Sundowns to remain alert defensively despite dominating possession.
TEBOHO MOKOENA HITS THE WOODWORK
The home side came agonisingly close to doubling their lead in the 84th minute when Teboho Mokoena struck the post directly from a free-kick.
Sundowns kept pushing in the closing stages, but AS FAR’s defence stood firm to keep the deficit at just one goal ahead of the decisive return leg.
The second leg will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, 24 May at 21:00.
