AS FAR Reaches Champions League Final with High Morale as Sundowns Nears End of Eight-Season League Dominance

T.E (Elbotola)

12 May 2026at20:51

South African club Mamelodi Sundowns finds itself in a difficult position ahead of hosting Moroccan representatives AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. The team suffered a significant blow today, losing 3-2 to TS Galaxy in matchday 29 of the South African League. This defeat has "clinically" placed the South African League title within reach of their rivals, Orlando Pirates. Sundowns concluded their 30 league matches with 68 points, currently holding a "temporary" lead, but their fate is no longer in their own hands.

Direct rivals Orlando Pirates currently have 65 points with two games in hand, meaning they only need to win one match to officially snatch the title from Sundowns.

Sundowns had "monopolized" the South African League, winning the title for eight consecutive seasons (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025). Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are chasing a title they haven't won since 2012.

In contrast to Sundowns, AS FAR arrives at the anticipated Champions League final with high morale. This follows their 3-2 victory over Hassania Agadir last Sunday in the professional league, which saw them climb to second place with 40 points, just one point behind leaders Maghreb de Fès.

AS FAR will travel to Pretoria this coming Thursday for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, scheduled for this Sunday at 15:00 GMT+1. The return leg will be played in Rabat, the capital, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, May 24, at 20:00 GMT+1, with an expected attendance of over 68,000 spectators.

Q&A

What happened to Mamelodi Sundowns' league title hopes?

Mamelodi Sundowns' South African League title hopes suffered a significant blow after a 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy. This loss puts their eight-season dominance at risk, as rivals Orlando Pirates now need just one win from two games to clinch the title.

How does AS FAR's current form compare to Mamelodi Sundowns' ahead of the final?

AS FAR arrives at the CAF Champions League final with high morale, having recently secured a 3-2 victory over Hassania Agadir, placing them second in their league. In contrast, Mamelodi Sundowns are reeling from a league defeat that threatens their long-standing domestic supremacy.

When and where will the CAF Champions League final first leg be played?

The first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR is scheduled for this Sunday in Pretoria. AS FAR will travel there on Thursday for the anticipated match, with the return leg set for May 24th in Rabat.