Mamelodi Sundowns will once again shift their focus to continental football when they host Moroccan giants AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
For Sundowns, the clash represents another opportunity to reclaim their place at the summit of African football after years of near misses in the competition.
Miguel Cardoso’s side come into the final under pressure following a disappointing end to their Premiership campaign, where a recent 3-2 defeat against TS Galaxy left Orlando Pirates on the brink of ending Sundowns’ long domestic dominance.
Despite the frustrations in the league, CAF Champions League glory remains the ultimate target for the Brazilians. Since lifting their maiden continental crown under Pitso Mosimane in 2016, Sundowns have consistently reached the latter stages of the competition but have struggled to get over the line.
Last season’s painful final defeat against Pyramids still lingers, and Cardoso now has a chance to rewrite the narrative.
The Portuguese tactician was specifically brought in to deliver success on the continent after Sundowns repeatedly fell short in Africa despite dominating South African football.
Ironically, Cardoso earned admiration from the Sundowns hierarchy after masterminding victories over them while coaching Esperance de Tunis during the 2023-24 campaign.
Sundowns will rely heavily on their attacking movement and ball retention at Loftus, where they have often suffocated opponents with quick passing combinations and aggressive pressing in transition.
However, recent defensive vulnerabilities will concern Cardoso after his side conceded seven goals in their last two matches across all competitions.
Captain Ronwen Williams, who has been one of Sundowns’ most reliable performers in recent seasons, will also be under scrutiny after a difficult spell between the sticks.
The Bafana Bafana number one is expected to play a huge leadership role in helping the side regain defensive composure heading into the biggest match of their season.
AS FAR, meanwhile, arrive in Pretoria as dangerous underdogs. The Moroccan side have quietly built momentum throughout the tournament and head into the final unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions.
The visitors possess plenty of attacking quality, particularly through the pace and movement of Youssef El Fahli and Abdelfettah Hadraf in wide areas.
Their ability to break quickly on the counterattack could pose serious problems for Sundowns, especially if the South Africans commit numbers forward in search of an early advantage.
AS FAR also have experience and physicality in midfield, with Mohamed Hrimat and Nolan Mbemba expected to play a key role in disrupting Sundowns’ rhythm in the middle of the park.
With the away goals rule still active in the CAF Champions League, both teams will understand the importance of the first leg heading into what promises to be a tense tactical battle in Tshwane.
What time does Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR start?
Kick-off is at 5:00 PM (EAT) on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR team news
Mamelodi Sundowns are dealing with defensive injury concerns ahead of the final. Mothobi Mvala remains sidelined with a long-term injury, while Keanu Cupido is doubtful after picking up a knock against Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month.
Grant Kekana is also expected to miss the first leg due to suspension, leaving Cardoso short of options at centre-back for such a crucial fixture.
In midfield, Sundowns are expected to rely on the creativity and composure of Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams and Teboho Mokoena, while Nuno Santos and Tashreeq Matthews are likely to provide width in attack.
AS FAR head into the final with no major injury concerns and are expected to field a strong starting lineup. Ahmed Tagnaouti will start in goal behind the defensive pairing of Fallou Mendy and Marouane Louadni.
The Moroccan side will look to Reda Slim and Ahmed Hammoudan for creativity from the flanks, while El Fahli and Hadraf are expected to spearhead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Mamelodi Sundowns possible starting XI: Ronwen Williams; Mudau, Johannes, Ndamane, Modiba; Adams, Allende, Mokoena; Nuno Santos, Brayan Leon, Tashreeq Matthews
AS FAR possible starting XI: Tagnaouti; Carneiro, Mendy, Louadni, Bach; Hammoudan, Hrimat, Mbemba, Reda Slim; El Fahli, Hadraf
Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR head to head record
Mamelodi Sundowns enter the final after edging Esperance de Tunis in the semi-finals, while AS FAR eliminated RS Berkane to book their place in the decider.
Sundowns have experienced mixed form in recent weeks. While their attack has remained dangerous, defensive lapses have seen them concede heavily in back-to-back matches domestically.
AS FAR, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last six matches and appear to be peaking at the right moment. The Moroccan giants have shown resilience throughout the knockout stages and possess the tactical discipline needed in two-legged finals.
The first leg could prove decisive, particularly with the away goals rule still in effect.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR prediction
Sundowns will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo from midfield, especially with the backing of a packed Loftus crowd behind them.
AS FAR are likely to remain compact defensively and attempt to hurt the hosts through quick counterattacks and transitions into wide areas.
While the Moroccan side have enough quality to trouble Sundowns, the South Africans’ experience in high-pressure continental matches and home advantage could give them the edge heading into the second leg.