Mamelodi Sundowns Win Second CAF Champions League Title in 10 Years

Ten Years Later: Sundowns Reclaim Africa - From Cairo Glory to Rabat Redemption

Ten years after their historic triumph over Zamalek SC in Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns have once again written their name into African football history, this time as the 2025/26 CAF Champions League winners after a tense and emotional final against AS FAR in Rabat.

On 24 May 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Sundowns drew 1–1 on the night but edged the tie 2–1 on aggregate, securing victory through the away goals rule in a final that swung between heartbreak and brilliance. AS FAR struck first through Mohamed Hrimat in the 40th minute, before Teboho Mokoena produced a moment of pure class deep into first-half stoppage time, a beautiful strike that crashed in off the underside of the woodwork to level the match and ultimately decide the tie.

It was a goal worthy of a final. A goal worthy of history.

A Decade Long Circle Completed

This triumph carries a deeper resonance when placed against Sundowns’ 2016 breakthrough. Back then, they dismantled Zamalek 3–0 in Pretoria through goals from Anthony Laffor, Tebogo Langerman, and an own goal from Islam Gamal, before sealing a 3–1 aggregate win despite a second-leg defeat in Alexandria.

2016 CAF Championship win

That victory was more than a title, it was a statement! It marked the first CAF Champions League crown for a South African club in the modern era and earned Sundowns a place at the FIFA Club World Cup and the CAF Super Cup. It was the moment they stepped into continental elite status.

Ten years later, they have done it again, in a different country, against different opposition, but with the same identity: control, discipline, and belief under pressure.

South African Football’s Continental Legacy

For South African football, Sundowns’ second continental star now stands alone in modern CAF history. Orlando Pirates remain pioneers, having won the 1995 African Cup of Champions Clubs against ASEC Mimosas, becoming the first South African club to conquer Africa in the post-apartheid era.

But Sundowns have now become the only South African club to consistently reach and conquer Africa’s modern Champions League era twice, leaving a mark for themselves on continental club football.

The Midfield Moment Maker

If 2016 belonged to collective discipline, 2026 will be remembered for Teboho Mokoena’s defining strike. Interestingly, it adds to a growing narrative of his influence in North African battles, including his standout goal against Morocco at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, which secured South Africa’s progression and stunned the hosts.

In Rabat, he did it again, this time on Africa's club football’s biggest stage. His goal not only equalised the final but shifted the emotional weight of the tie, silencing the home crowd and restoring belief in a side that has built its reputation on resilience.

Cardoso’s Reflection

Head coach Miguel Cardoso captured the emotional magnitude of the moment best in his post-match reflections. “It’s a sensational and proud moment,” he said, reflecting on a journey filled with setbacks, criticism, and belief.

He acknowledged the struggles of the past year, the disappointment of near misses, and the emotional toll on the squad. “Last year I saw tears from my players, and we promised that the next time we cry it would be tears of joy.”

Cardoso also spoke about respect between both finalists, praising AS FAR and highlighting the competitive balance across African football. “Two strong teams from opposite parts of the continent competed… one takes gold, another silver, but both have won something in this journey.”

Beyond tactics and trophies, his most striking message was about development and structure. He stressed that for South African football to maintain continental success, deeper systemic support is needed, from player availability to structural conditions that allow clubs to compete at the highest level consistently.

A Continental Standard Reset

Sundowns’ victory is not just another trophy. It is a reminder that African football is evolving, tactically, financially, and competitively. The prize money of $6 million underscores CAF’s growing investment in the competition, but the real value lies in what it represents: sustained excellence.

From Pretoria to Rabat, from 2016 to 2026, Mamelodi Sundowns have not just returned to the top of Africa, they have reaffirmed a standard they set a decade ago. And this time, they did it away from home, under pressure, with history watching. A second star. A second era. A continued legacy.

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