South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the CAF Champions League title after battling to a 1-1 draw against FAR Rabat in Rabat on Sunday, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory.
According to Channels Television, midfielder Teboho Mokoena and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams delivered standout performances as Sundowns secured their second CAF Champions League crown after first lifting the trophy in 2016.
FAR Rabat levelled the aggregate score in the 40th minute when Mohamed Hrimat converted from the penalty spot after Divine Lunga fouled Reda Slim inside the box.
However, Sundowns responded in first-half stoppage time through Mokoena. The midfielder finished off a move involving Brayan Leon and Tashreeq Matthews with a powerful strike that beat FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti.
The crucial away goal shifted the pressure onto the Moroccan side, who then needed at least two more goals to overturn the tie under the away goals rule.
Williams proved decisive in the second half when FAR were awarded another penalty after a foul on Youssef El Fahli. Hrimat stepped up again, but the Sundowns goalkeeper produced a vital save to preserve his side’s advantage.
The missed penalty sparked frustration among home supporters inside the near-capacity 60,000-seat stadium, with many fans leaving before full time.
Both teams endured a tense and physical encounter, with several players booked by Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan in a heated final atmosphere.
Sundowns nearly added another goal in stoppage time through substitute Lebo Mothiba, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The victory marks another major achievement for South African club football and reinforces Sundowns’ growing reputation as one of Africa’s dominant sides.