A major controversy erupted during the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR after a VAR malfunction caused a 20-minute delay to the start of the second half in Pretoria on Sunday.

The highly anticipated clash, already surrounded by tension over officiating appointments and logistical disputes, descended into confusion when Video Assistant Referee technology reportedly failed shortly before the resumption of play after halftime.

Match officials were forced to suspend proceedings as technicians scrambled to resolve the problem, leaving players, coaches and thousands of fans inside the stadium waiting anxiously for action to resume.

The delay added another dramatic chapter to an already heated build-up to the continental final.

Before kickoff, both clubs had reportedly expressed concerns over the appointment of Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala and the composition of the VAR team for the high-profile encounter.

The fixture itself had earlier been rescheduled from Friday, May 15, to Sunday, May 17, after Sundowns requested a 48-hour postponement because of severe logistical challenges affecting preparations for the final.

The request reduced both teams’ preparation time and intensified the atmosphere surrounding the match even before the opening whistle.

Sunday’s VAR breakdown further fuelled debate about the reliability and readiness of officiating technology at one of Africa’s biggest football events.

Despite the disruption, the match continued after the technical issues were eventually resolved, with the packed stadium atmosphere underlining the global attention surrounding the showdown between the South African champions and the Moroccan giants.

The incident is expected to trigger fresh discussions within the Confederation of African Football over the implementation and management of VAR technology in major continental competitions.

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South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroccan giants AS FAR will renew their growing rivalry this Sunday when they meet in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

Both clubs are chasing a second continental crown in what promises to be one of the most closely contested finals in recent years, with a record prize money of USD 6 million awaiting the eventual winners.

Sundowns are seeking to reclaim African club football’s biggest prize for the first time since their 2016 triumph, while AS FAR hope to end a 41-year wait since becoming the first Moroccan club to lift the trophy in 1985.

The two sides are already familiar with each other after facing off during last season’s group stage, where both encounters ended in 1-1 draws, underlining how evenly matched the finalists appear heading into Sunday’s showdown.

The Pretoria club enter the final under pressure to deliver continental success after another dominant domestic campaign. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso was appointed specifically to restore Sundowns’ status as Africa’s leading club side, and reaching the final has heightened expectations around the former Esperance manager.

Sundowns boast a formidable home record against Moroccan opposition in the competition, remaining unbeaten in their last eight home matches against clubs from the North African nation. They have also suffered only one home defeat in the CAF Champions League over the past five seasons.

Their attack has been spearheaded by Colombian striker Brayan León, whose decisive goals against Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the semi-finals helped propel the South African side into a second consecutive final.

However, defensive concerns continue to trouble Cardoso ahead of the first leg. Injuries in central defence have disrupted preparations, with Keanu Cupido doubtful and Grant Kekana suspended, while Sundowns have conceded seven goals in their last two matches in all competitions.

AS FAR arrive in Pretoria carrying confidence of their own after building their campaign around defensive discipline and tactical organisation.

The Moroccans have conceded only five goals in 10 Champions League matches this season and showed resilience during their semi-final victory over RS Berkane.

Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos has transformed the Rabat-based club into one of the continent’s most organised sides since taking charge earlier this year. Comfortable without possession and dangerous on the counter-attack, AS FAR are expected to adopt a cautious approach in Pretoria before attempting to finish the job at home in next week’s return leg in Rabat.

Sunday’s encounter is likely to be defined by contrasting styles, with Sundowns expected to dominate possession through their aggressive passing game and attacking width, while AS FAR focus on defensive compactness and quick transitions.

The final also marks a significant financial milestone for African club football after CAF confirmed a record USD 6 million prize for the champions as part of increased investment into the continent’s competitions.

For Sundowns, victory would further cement their position as the dominant force in modern South African football. For AS FAR, lifting the trophy would complete a remarkable continental campaign and bring another African title back to Morocco.

With two experienced squads, two ambitious Portuguese coaches and little separating the finalists on paper, the opening leg in Pretoria is expected to produce another memorable night in African club football.

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By Kunle Solaja.

Rangers and Rivers United have officially secured Nigeria’s two slots in next season’s CAF Champions League after opening an unassailable gap at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table with one round of matches remaining.

Rangers lead the standings on 65 points, one ahead of Rivers United on 64 points, ensuring both clubs will represent Nigeria in Africa’s premier club competition regardless of the outcome of the final day fixtures.

Enugu Rangers: File Photo

The battle for the NPFL title, however, remains delicately poised and will be decided on the final day of the season on May 24.

Rangers, who are chasing a ninth league title, face a tricky away trip to fourth-placed Ikorodu City in Lagos. The Flying Antelopes need victory to guarantee the championship, while any slip could hand Rivers United the opportunity to snatch the title.

Rivers United, meanwhile, will host eighth-placed Katsina United in Port Harcourt and will be hoping Rangers stumble against Ikorodu City.

Rivers United set for another continental outing

While the Champions League representatives have been confirmed, the race for Nigeria’s CAF Confederation Cup ticket is set for a dramatic finish between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Ikorodu City.

Shooting Stars currently occupy third place with 60 points, two ahead of Ikorodu City on 58 points.

The Ibadan club hold the advantage going into the final round and only needs to avoid defeat away to Niger Tornadoes to secure continental football ticket.

With the championship and continental ticket races still unresolved, the final day of the NPFL season promises high drama across the country

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