Mokoena brilliance guides Mamelodi Sundowns to CAF Champions League glory

The Moroccan side went ahead after 40 minutes when skipper Mohamed Hrimat slotted home a penalty to even the aggregate score following Sundowns' narrow 1 0 triumph in the initial leg held in Pretoria the week before.

However, Mokoena calmed the visiting team's jitters with a stunning strike from just outside the area that flew past keeper Ahmed Tagnaouti and rattled the net off the crossbar.

Hrimat squandered a penalty with a quarter hour left as Sundowns clung on to secure the championship for the second occasion, replicating their 2016 success, and booking their spots in both the Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup.

Sundowns were missing their usual left back Aubrey Modiba, sidelined by a hamstring issue sustained in the first leg after netting the decisive goal from a set piece. His place was taken by Zimbabwean international Divine Lunga.

Modiba will be anxious that the injury does not jeopardise his participation in the 2026 World Cup, where he is the first choice left back for Bafana Bafana.

AS FAR wasted a golden opportunity to seize the initiative when skipper Mohamed Hrimat found himself unmarked in the box but blazed his effort well over.

The game's first meaningful attempt arrived at the 24 minute mark as Kutlwano Lethlaku's tame low drive failed to test AS FAR custodian Ahmed Tagnaouti.

Sundowns were unusually careless in possession, handing AS FAR the ball repeatedly, though the hosts' promising attacks lacked the final touch.

When Lunga clumsily fouled Reda Slim from behind as he hesitated to clear, Somali official Omar Abdulkadir Artan pointed to the spot after VAR intervention, having initially waved away the appeals.

Hrimat made no mistake from 12 yards on 40 minutes, coolly slotting into the bottom corner as Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams guessed wrong.

Abdelfettah Hadraf fired wide for the hosts, while Brayan Leon forced a smart stop from Tagnaouti after connecting with Lunga's delivery from the left.

But Sundowns did find their leveller, which proved pivotal, right on halftime.

Leon's cross was deftly flicked on by Tashreeq Matthews and Mokoena unleashed an unstoppable drive from the edge of the box that cannoned in off the woodwork.

He has netted many spectacular goals, but this ranked among his finest for both technique and importance, leaving AS FAR needing two more.

Sundowns brought on Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende for Lethlaku to bolster midfield, while it emerged during the interval that Sundowns' backup keeper Denis Onyango had been dismissed for an off field incident.

Hadraf was fortunate to escape with just a caution after appearing to headbutt Sundowns' Jayden Adams in a baffling call by the officials.

Sundowns adopted a defensive approach, packing their half and leaving Leon isolated up front.

AS FAR were awarded another penalty when Williams fumbled a routine save and then fouled Youssef El Fahli as he attempted to gather the loose ball.

This time Williams guessed correctly, diving left to pull off a magnificent save and preserve Sundowns' advantage.