AfriPulse
Mamelodi Sundowns are CAF Champions League winners once again after holding AS FAR to a 1-1 draw in Morocco to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory and lift their second continental crown.
Masandawana headed into the second leg at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah with a slender 1-0 advantage from Tshwane, but there was still plenty of work to do in a packed and hostile atmosphere in Rabat.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: AS FAR 1-1 MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
AS FAR came flying out of the blocks and immediately put Sundowns under pressure. The Moroccan giants launched wave after wave of attacks, throwing crosses into the box and asking questions of the visitors’ backline.
However, Sundowns refused to panic. The South African champions stood firm defensively, with the back four showing discipline and composure as they weathered the early storm.
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KABO YELLOW SURVIVE MOROCCAN PRESSURE
The final burst into life when both sides found the back of the net before half-time, leaving the match level at 1-1 on the night but still keeping Sundowns ahead 2-1 on aggregate.
As the second half wore on, the tension inside the stadium only grew. Then came the moment that nearly changed everything.
AS FAR were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute, handing the hosts a golden opportunity to swing the tie in their favour and ignite the crowd.
But up stepped captain Ronwen Williams. The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper produced a massive save under immense pressure, diving the right way to deny the penalty and preserve Sundowns’ advantage.
From there, Miguel Cardoso’s men dug deep and managed the closing stages brilliantly before the final whistle sparked celebrations on the pitch.
The triumph also completes a remarkable continental journey for Sundowns over the last decade. After finishing as runners-up in 2001, Masandawana finally reached the summit in 2016 when they lifted their first CAF Champions League title.
Since then, Sundowns have become one of Africa’s most consistent sides, reaching the quarter-finals in 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022, while also making the
Source: The South African | Read the Full Story…
