Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Rabat on Sunday to defend a 1-0 lead against AS FAR in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final. The match is scheduled for May 24 at 21:00 CAT (20:00 Moroccan time, 19:00 GMT) at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, according to the match details.
Sundowns dominated the first leg at Loftus Versfeld, where Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick provided the only goal. The visitors controlled large spells on and off the ball and avoided conceding a potentially vital away goal, though several clear opportunities to extend the lead were missed, according to the first‑leg report.
Hostility is expected in Rabat, with Sundowns accustomed to intense atmospheres in North Africa after regular deep runs in the competition since their 2016 triumph. AS FAR supporters were involved in clashes with police during the first leg in Pretoria; the incidents were quickly brought under control. AS FAR coach Alexandre Santos said he had observed the clashes but that they had not disrupted his team, while Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso said he had not witnessed the incidents. Both coaches expressed hopes for the safety of all involved, according to the match report.
Team news includes the surprise inclusion of Keanu Cupido in Sundowns’ starting XI for the first leg after Siphesihle Ndlovu suffered a collarbone issue; Cupido revealed he used painkilling injections to play. Grant Kekana will return from suspension and give Cardoso more centre‑back options for the second leg. Modiba limped off the first leg and was replaced by Divine Lunga but was in good spirits afterwards. Expected lineups list Ronwen Williams in goal for Sundowns, with Divine Lunga, Keanu Cupido, Grant Kekana and Khuliso Mudau across the back, and Marcelo Allende and Jayden Adams in midfield, according to the match preview.
The match will air on SuperSport (DSTV channel 202) and on SABC in South Africa, with Channel 4 holding UK rights. Sundowns have won their last three CAF Champions League matches 1-0, and Cardoso has lost four of his 29 CAF Champions League games as a head coach, two of those defeats coming in finals, according to the match details. Both clubs are chasing a second African championship; AS FAR previously won in 1985 and Sundowns lifted the title 10 years ago under Pitso Mosimane.
