South Africa wins Africa League title after final in Morocco

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed their second African Champions League title after securing a tense 1-1 draw against AS FAR in Rabat to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory in the final, as reported by BBC Sport Africa and agencies on May 25th.

The South African side entered the second leg with a narrow advantage following Aubrey Modiba’s win in Pretoria on May 17th, and held their nerve in front of a hostile crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to capture their first continental crown since 2016.

AS FAR levelled the aggregate score five minutes before half-time when Mohamed Hrimat converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review ruled that Divine Lunga had fouled Reda Slim inside the area.

However, Sundowns responded immediately in first-half stoppage time through Teboho Mokoena, whose powerful half-volley crashed in off the underside of the crossbar to restore his side’s aggregate lead. The away goal left the Moroccan club needing two more goals to lift the trophy.

The hosts were handed a major opportunity to reignite their hopes in the 77th minute when another VAR review resulted in a second penalty after goalkeeper Ronwen Williams brought down Youssef El Fahli while attempting to recover a loose ball.

But Williams produced the decisive moment of the match, diving to his left to deny Hrimat’s second penalty attempt and preserve Sundowns’ advantage.

The save drained momentum from the home side as supporters began leaving the stadium before full-time, allowing Sundowns to comfortably see out eight minutes of stoppage time before celebrating the title.

The victory marks redemption for the South African champions after losing last season’s final to Pyramids and also secures a record $6 million prize payout alongside qualification for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

The triumph came just a day after Sundowns surrendered the South African league title to Orlando Pirates, ending their eight-year domestic reign.

BBC Sport Africa and agencies, Maghrebi.org