Tensions flared in Pretoria after Mamelodi Sundowns secured a narrow 1-0 victory over AS FAR Rabat in the first leg of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The match itself was decided by a moment of quality in the 37th minute when Aubrey Modiba curled a precise free-kick into the top corner, sending the home crowd into celebration and giving Sundowns a crucial advantage heading into the return leg in Morocco.
Sundowns controlled large spells of possession throughout the contest, dictating the tempo and probing for openings against a well-organised AS FAR defence. The Moroccan side, however, remained disciplined and compact, limiting clear chances for much of the evening as they sought to stay within reach of the tie.
At the other end, Sundowns’ defensive unit, marshalled by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, held firm under pressure to preserve their slender lead. Despite moments of sustained Moroccan pressure, the hosts managed to close out the game and secure a first-leg advantage.
However, the focus shifted dramatically after the final whistle as celebrations and frustration spilled into disorder in the stands.
What began as emotional reactions from supporters quickly escalated into unrest between sections of both fan bases. Flares were lit, thick smoke drifted across parts of the stadium, and confrontations broke out as security personnel rushed to intervene.
Police and stewards moved in rapidly to restore order, forming barriers between rival groups as tensions rose. In some sections, punches were thrown amid heated exchanges, prompting further intervention from security teams in high-visibility gear.
Dense smoke briefly reduced visibility in parts of the stadium, with supporters waving banners and flags as emotions remained high. Among the crowd, Moroccan supporters displayed flags and banners in support of AS FAR, while Sundowns fans celebrated what they hope will be a decisive first-leg advantage.
Despite the intervention of security officials, the atmosphere remained volatile for several minutes before order was gradually restored. No official statement on casualties or arrests was included in the match account, but the scenes overshadowed what had been a tightly contested final.
On the pitch, Sundowns’ narrow victory ensures they take a 1-0 lead into the second leg, scheduled for 24 May in Rabat. The Moroccan side will now return home knowing they must overturn the deficit in front of what is expected to be a highly charged home crowd.
The tie remains finely balanced, with both teams still firmly in contention for the continental title. Sundowns will look to protect their advantage in what is expected to be a difficult away environment, while AS FAR will aim to respond in front of their supporters.
Beyond the result, however, the events in Pretoria have added an extra layer of tension to an already high-stakes final, setting up a return leg that promises intensity both on and off the pitch as African club football’s biggest prize hangs in the balance.
