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Mamelodi Sundowns secured a crucial first-leg advantage in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final after defeating FAR Rabat 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday.

A stunning first-half free-kick from Aubrey Modiba proved the difference in a tense and tactical encounter, handing the South African champions a slender lead ahead of next weekend’s decisive second leg in Morocco.

Sundowns dominated possession for much of the contest and created the clearer chances, but FAR Rabat’s disciplined defensive structure ensured the tie remains finely balanced heading into the return fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The opening exchanges reflected the caution expected in a CAF Champions League final, with Sundowns attempting to dictate the tempo through their trademark passing game while the Moroccan visitors remained compact and organised at the back.

Despite the defensive approach from both sides, FAR Rabat nearly silenced the Pretoria crowd midway through the first half when veteran defender Younes Abdelhamid rose highest to meet a cross in the 22nd minute, only to see his header drift narrowly wide.

The missed chance appeared to spark greater urgency from the hosts, who finally found the breakthrough in the 37th minute through Modiba.

The left-back unleashed a thunderous free-kick that flew beyond the reach of the FAR goalkeeper, who managed to get fingertips to the ball but could not stop it crashing into the net.

The spectacular strike sent Loftus Versfeld into celebration as Sundowns carried a deserved 1-0 lead into halftime.

FAR Rabat returned from the break with increased attacking intent as coach Alexandre Santos pushed his side forward in search of an equaliser.

However, while the Moroccan side enjoyed more possession in advanced areas during the second half, they struggled to consistently break down Sundowns’ organised defence.

Sundowns remained dangerous on the counterattack and should have doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute when striker Brian Leon Muniz raced through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to send his effort agonisingly wide.

Teboho Mokoena also came close to extending the lead late in the match when another powerful free-kick crashed against the post in the 83rd minute.

Despite the defeat, FAR Rabat will take confidence from keeping the deficit to a single goal ahead of the decisive second leg on home soil.

For Sundowns, the victory keeps alive hopes of winning the CAF Champions League title for only the second time in their history following their 2016 triumph.

Cardoso Warns Sundowns Against Complacency

After the match, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso warned his players not to become complacent despite taking a first-leg advantage into Morocco.

The Portuguese tactician admitted Sundowns should have scored more goals after dominating large portions of the encounter.

“Five I think it’s a bit too much and eventually not fair, but yeah, we should’ve scored one more goal and create a little bit better advantage and have one foot in the front,” Cardoso said after the match.

He praised his side’s composure and tactical discipline but stressed that the job remains unfinished ahead of the return leg in Rabat.

“We need to take the energy into the second match of course so that we can fight for the trophy,” he added.

Cardoso also cautioned his players about the hostile atmosphere expected in Morocco, urging them to remain focused throughout the decisive clash.

“Be able to close our ears, forget what happens in the stands and play the football we can play whenever in the continent that’s what we need to do,” he stressed.

The Sundowns coach further commended his team’s defensive organisation, particularly their ability to manage transitions and restrict FAR Rabat’s attacking spaces.

With only one goal separating the two sides, the CAF Champions League title race remains wide open ahead of what promises to be a dramatic second leg in Rabat next Sunday.

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