AS FAR will head back to Morocco with confidence still intact despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final in Pretoria on Sunday.

A stunning first-half free-kick from Aubrey Modiba proved to be the difference at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, but the Moroccan giants produced a disciplined and resilient display that kept the tie delicately balanced ahead of next weekend’s decisive return leg in Rabat.

With the second leg set for the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, FAR Rabat remain firmly in contention for continental glory, knowing that a one-goal deficit can be overturned on home soil in front of their supporters.

The opening stages reflected the tension and tactical caution expected in a Champions League final, with Sundowns enjoying more possession while FAR Rabat remained compact and organised defensively.

Coach Alexandre Santos’ side frustrated the South Africans for long periods and looked dangerous whenever opportunities emerged on the counterattack.

In fact, FAR Rabat came close to stunning the home crowd in the 22nd minute when experienced defender Younes Abdelhamid rose highest to meet a cross, only for his header to drift narrowly wide.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 37th minute when Modiba delivered a superb direct free-kick that beat the FAR goalkeeper despite getting a hand to the powerful strike.

The goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters, but FAR Rabat refused to lose their composure and continued to defend with discipline.

The Moroccan side showed greater attacking ambition after halftime as Santos urged his players forward in search of an equaliser.

Although Sundowns remained dangerous on the counterattack, FAR Rabat controlled more possession in advanced areas during the second half and pushed for a crucial away goal.

Sundowns almost doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute when Brian Leon Muniz found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the Colombian striker sent his effort wide in a major let-off for the visitors.

FAR Rabat survived another scare late in the game when Teboho Mokoena’s powerful free-kick crashed against the post in the 83rd minute.

Despite the defeat, the Moroccan side will take encouragement from limiting the damage away from home and remaining fully alive in the contest ahead of the decisive return leg in Rabat.

The narrow scoreline means FAR Rabat need only a single goal to level the tie next Sunday as they chase a memorable continental triumph in front of their home fans.

After surviving a difficult test in Pretoria, the focus now shifts to Morocco, where FAR Rabat will hope home advantage can inspire a dramatic comeback and deliver the CAF Champions League title.

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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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