South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco’s AS FAR will meet in the final of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, with both sides aiming to reclaim the biggest prize in African club football.
The two-legged final will begin in Tshwane, South Africa, on Sunday, 17 May before the decisive second leg takes place in Rabat, Morocco, a week later on Sunday, 24 May.
The showdown brings together two clubs with proud continental histories. Mamelodi Sundowns are seeking to win the competition for only the second time, having previously lifted the trophy in 2016. AS FAR, meanwhile, are attempting to secure their first African title in more than four decades after their success in 1985.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also confirmed that the winners of this season’s competition will receive a record financial reward. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe recently announced that the champions will earn 6 million US dollars, representing a 50% increase in prize money.
The opening match of the final will be staged in Tshwane, also known as Pretoria, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 GMT on 17 May. Mamelodi Sundowns will hope to use home advantage to establish an early lead before travelling to Morocco for the return fixture.
The second leg will take place in Rabat on 24 May at 19:00 GMT, where AS FAR will attempt to use home support to strengthen their bid for continental success.
The final is expected to attract widespread interest across Africa, with two of the continent’s most recognisable clubs competing for one of the most prestigious honours in the game.
Mamelodi Sundowns have become one of the dominant forces in African football in recent years and will now attempt to add another Champions League title to their achievements. Their previous triumph came a decade earlier in 2016, and victory this year would further cement their status among Africa’s elite clubs.
For AS FAR, the final represents an opportunity to revive memories of their historic 1985 success. The Moroccan side have waited 41 years to return to the summit of African club football and will hope to end that long wait with victory over the South African champions.
The increase in prize money announced by CAF has added further significance to the final. In addition to lifting Africa’s most coveted club trophy, the winning side will secure the largest financial reward in the competition’s history.
The dates and kick-off times for the final have now been confirmed by CAF.
The first leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR will be played in Tshwane, South Africa, on Sunday, 17 May 2026, with kick-off at 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT).
The second leg between AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns will follow in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, 24 May 2026, beginning at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).
