Key reflections from AS FAR – Mamelodi Sundowns CAF Champions League Final as Onyango makes history in Rabat

The gigantic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was the venue for the eagerly awaited return leg of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League final between AS FAR (Morocco) and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) on Sunday, 24th May 2026.

This contest ended one-goal apiece in normal time as Mamelodi Sundowns lifted the trophy with a 2-1 aggregate victory, having won the first leg 1-0 in South Africa.

AS FAR captain, Mohamed Rabie Hrimat scored the opener, a VAR-reviewed penalty in the 37th minute when the hosts took the lead.

The Brazilians equalised through Teboho Mokoena with a thunderbolt of a shot inside the goal area during the final stages of the 7 added minutes for the first half.

Kawowo Sports’ David Isabirye followed the live proceedings of this tense and thrilling encounter from start to finish to discuss the key reflections prior to the game, during and after.

Sheer passion from AS FAR fans

Football fans are a unique species of humanity. These are elements who sacrifice virtually everything to plan for 90 minutes inside the soccer cathedral.

From setting aside demanding work chores, family, personal ventures, to job appointments, a typical fan can abandon anything in the name of the game.

The over 70,000 fans inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium arrived from near and far. Donned in the traditional Green, Black and Red coloured shirts, the fans gave a real show during the final.

They chorused aloud slogans, sang different songs, blew various instruments, sang encouraging songs and booed the opposition players in unison.

The AS FAR fans did it all and gave the finale a befitting atmosphere with electrifying moods.

Positioning of the Mamelodi Sundowns fans

A handful of Mamelodi Sundowns fans travelled from down South to the north of the African continent.

Typical of ardent football fans, they sacrificed time and financial resources to make the long trip, and they never disappointed as they cheered with songs and dances.

For long spells, the visiting delegation of fans endured boos from the chorus of the home supporters’ deafening noise.

The stadium management opted to have them stationed in the upper-right section of the facility, far from the thick of action.

This positioning, though, did not bar any of the yellow brigade team from perfecting their known act.

A busy Matchday referee & Video Assistant Referee (VAR):

Before this game proper, questions were posed about who could be among the set of officials for this titanic clash.

This was a duel with much to offer, cut-edge moments and therefore needed a sober, tough and highly professional referee.

Somalia referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan did not disappoint, according to me.

He was often spot on with important, timely decisions. He remained tough, given the physicality component of the game, and at times let go of the 50-50 challenges.

Now, here comes the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The VAR closely monitored the match proceedings.

The VAR after a long review called for the penalty of AS FAR, which skipper Hrimat drove home, sending goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way.

At this stage, the stadium roared aloud in celebration.

The VAR was at it once again in the 77th minute, condemning Williams for a foul that resulted in a penalty.

This time round, Williams turned from villain to hero with a sharp penalty save, diving to his left to thwart Hrimat’s shot.

The referee remained in the spotlight, often waving off soft challenges and acting tough where physicality turned brutal.

Tactical discipline for Mamelodi Sundowns

From start to finish, Mamelodi Sundowns remained calm, composed, focused and agile at all times.

They deployed all systems of play during varying stages of the game; at most, sitting back to latch the quick counterattacks. Sometimes they preferred to just possess the ball without harming the opposition.

This was particularly evident when Brazilian Arthur Sales was introduced for fellow countryman Nuno Santos.

Mamelodi Sundowns has an extra ball player in goalkeeper Williams. Often, Williams was utilised to tame the pressure of the game.

Awesome match day experience:

The Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium provided a befitting venue worthy of a grand final.

Credit duly goes to the joint effort of the stadium management, officials from the Royal Federation of Moroccan Football (FRMF), officials of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), AS FAR, as well as the security operatives.

There was order as the fans accessed the stadium via their tickets booked online on the “webook.com” website.

Tranquillity was also witnessed as the fans left for their respective destinations late after the match ended in the night.

The colourful grand entry of the team, stadium lighting and decorations also wooed many.

The only grey patch happened when the fans occasionally threw objects (water bottles and other missiles) onto the field of play, a barbaric act that will definitely call for hefty fines from CAF.

Executive Box experience

Being a VIP guest for this match, I was accorded special treatment to access the stadium before being granted entry to the comfortable hospitality executive box.

This was my first time to watch a football match from an Executive box, given the fact that many a time I am either in the corner areas with photography or the media tribune to execute timely proceedings of the match.

The half-time hospitality was also top-notch with refreshments served on time. The box also has a 60-inch television screen to follow the match in case you want to.

Denis Onyango, the history maker

For the second time since 2016, Uganda Cranes legend Denis Onyango earned gold in the CAF Champions League.

Onyango and Themba Zwane are the remaining two players from the 2016 triumphant team.

The goalkeeper, at the apex of his illustrious career, deservedly earns yet another medal in his enviable trophy and medal-laden cabinet.

This was the umpteenth silverware for the Ugandan who has won a lot for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mamelodi Sundowns deserved champions:

Champions plan. Champions work extra-ordinarily hard. Champions do not quit regardless of the situation. Champions are aggressive. Champions are lucky.

This is what defined Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory over AS FAR in Rabat.

Before the final, some elements proved beyond a reasonable doubt that exhibited planning and scouting of the opposition team.

The Brazilians worked in unison, often throwing their bodies to the line to defend. They attacked with that fast counter on the break and did not get disappointed even after conceding before a very big crowd hostile to them.

They fought gallantly with aggression to get that crucial goal and still defended well at all times.

The epitome of it all, Mamelodi Sundowns indeed deserved to win the championship as they will smile to the bank with USD 6,000,000 cash kitty in prize money.

Indisciplined section of fans

A category of fans exhibited unsporting character and conduct when they continuously threw objects like water bottles and other missiles on the field of play.

The gesture cast shadows on the hitherto well-organised match.

Throwing water bottles at the celebrating Mamelodi Sundowns players was way below the belt. Little wonder, Denis Onyango threw back one bottle into the stands, an act that earned him a red card.

Heartbreak for AS FAR fans

The duel ended in a draw, but it was a loss for the AS FAR team and the fans. At times, the fans pushed their side with wild chanting and drumming.

Witnessing fans move out prematurely before the end of the game was a sign of plight. It was disappointment written all over their faces and bodies.

Gracefulness in defeat

Even in failure to win on home turf, some AS FAR fans remained positive and completed the match.

They majestically walked out of the stadium to retire to their respective homes. Some even stayed back to painfully watch the crowning ceremony of Mamelodi Sundowns on the podium.

By and large, the CAF Champions League second leg in Rabat was viewed by millions across the world, producing outstanding moments and electrifying moments that will live in the memories of many forever.

Mamelodi Sundowns will now have two treasured stars above the club badge.

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