CAF Champions League finalists Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR will renew their growing rivalry on Sunday when they meet in the first leg of the 2025/26 final in Pretoria.
The match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium brings together two of Africa’s most ambitious clubs, with both sides aiming to win the continent’s premier club competition for only the second time in their histories.
South African champions Sundowns are seeking to reclaim the title they last won in 2016, while Moroccan giants AS FAR hope to end a 41-year wait since lifting the trophy in 1985 as the first Moroccan club to become African champions.
The final also carries major financial significance after the Confederation of African Football increased the winner’s prize money to a record 6 million US dollars as part of wider increases to club competition funding.
Sunday’s first leg is expected to play a decisive role before the return fixture in Rabat next week.
The two clubs are already familiar opponents after meeting during last season’s group stage campaign, where both matches ended in 1-1 draws.
Those encounters highlighted how evenly matched the teams are, with neither side able to establish superiority over the other.
Sundowns head into the final carrying the expectations of South African football supporters after another strong domestic campaign.
Although recent results in the South African Premiership title race have raised questions, the club’s progress to the Champions League final has reinforced belief in coach Miguel Cardoso’s project.
The Portuguese tactician was appointed with the clear objective of restoring continental dominance to a club that has consistently been among Africa’s strongest sides over the last decade.
Sundowns will also take confidence from their impressive home record against Moroccan opposition.
The Pretoria-based side are unbeaten in their last eight home Champions League matches against Moroccan clubs and have lost only once at home in the competition over the last five seasons.
Much of their attacking threat has come through Colombian striker Brayan León, whose goals in the semi-finals against Espérance proved decisive in helping the club reach another continental final.
However, concerns remain over Sundowns’ defensive stability ahead of the encounter.
Injuries in central defence have disrupted preparations, with Keanu Cupido considered doubtful while Grant Kekana is suspended.
The South Africans have also conceded seven goals across their last two matches in all competitions, raising questions about their ability to contain AS FAR’s counterattacking threat.
The Moroccan side travel to Pretoria with growing confidence after building one of the tournament’s strongest defensive records.
AS FAR have conceded only five goals in 10 Champions League matches this season and displayed significant resilience during their semi-final victory over fellow Moroccan side RS Berkane.
Coach Alexandre Santos has quickly shaped the team into one of the competition’s most tactically disciplined outfits since taking charge earlier this year.
The Moroccan giants are comfortable playing without long periods of possession and have repeatedly shown their ability to frustrate opponents before striking effectively on transitions.
That tactical approach could prove especially important away from home, where AS FAR have often prioritised defensive organisation before finishing ties strongly in Rabat.
Both clubs now stand two matches away from continental glory, with the first chapter of what promises to be a tightly contested final set to unfold in Pretoria on Sunday.
The winner will not only secure Africa’s biggest club prize, but also cement their place among the continent’s elite football institutions once again.
