The final of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will see South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns face Morocco’s AS FAR in a two-legged contest for Africa’s most prestigious club title.
The first leg is scheduled to take place in Tshwane, South Africa, on Sunday, 17 May, with kick-off set for 14:00 GMT (16:00 local time). The return fixture will be held a week later in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, 24 May, kicking off at 19:00 GMT (20:00 local time). The two matches will determine the continental champions in what is expected to be a closely fought encounter between two experienced sides.
Both clubs enter the final with a history of success in the competition, though neither has lifted the trophy in recent years. Mamelodi Sundowns are aiming to secure their second CAF Champions League title, having previously won the competition in 2016. Their opponents, AS FAR, are seeking to reclaim the title for the first time since their triumph in 1985, ending a wait that now stretches over four decades.
The final represents a significant moment for both teams, not only in terms of sporting achievement but also for their standing within African football. Success in the competition is widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football on the continent, offering both prestige and recognition at the highest level.
In addition to the honour of winning the title, the finalists will also be competing for a substantial financial reward. Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, recently confirmed that the winners of this year’s competition will receive a prize of 6 million US dollars. This represents a 50 percent increase compared to previous editions, highlighting efforts to enhance the tournament’s commercial appeal and competitiveness.
The scheduling of the final follows the traditional two-leg format, with each team hosting one match. This structure is designed to provide a balanced contest, allowing both sides the opportunity to play in front of their home supporters. It also adds a tactical dimension, as teams must manage both fixtures carefully to secure an overall advantage.
Preparations for the final are expected to intensify in the coming days, with both clubs focusing on fine-tuning their squads and strategies. The opening leg in Tshwane could prove decisive in setting the tone for the tie, while the return match in Rabat is likely to determine the outcome in front of what is expected to be a passionate home crowd.
As anticipation builds, the final is shaping up to be a significant occasion in the African football calendar. With two former champions competing for continental supremacy, the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final promises to deliver a compelling conclusion to the tournament.
