South African football reached another golden moment as Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned CAF Champions League winners for the second time in the club’s history. Nearly a decade after their famous 2016 success, Sundowns once again stood on top of African football after defeating Moroccan giants AS FAR over two legs in the 2026 final.
The victory confirmed Sundowns’ place among the continent’s elite clubs and marked another major milestone for South African football on the African stage. Guided by coach Miguel Cardoso and powered by a talented squad filled with international stars, the Pretoria club produced a composed and disciplined campaign that culminated in continental glory.
Sundowns Complete the Mission
Sundowns entered the final carrying the hopes of South African football. Their opponents, AS FAR of Morocco, were one of the strongest teams in the tournament and presented a massive challenge over two difficult legs.
The first leg in South Africa proved crucial. Sundowns secured a narrow but important 1-0 victory thanks to a disciplined defensive display and clinical finishing in front of goal. That result gave the Brazilians a valuable advantage heading into the return leg in Rabat.
The second leg was played in a hostile atmosphere in Morocco, with thousands of home supporters attempting to inspire AS FAR to a comeback. Sundowns, however, showed maturity and composure under pressure. A hard fought draw away from home was enough to secure the aggregate victory and deliver the CAF Champions League trophy back to Pretoria.
Reuters reported that Sundowns’ decisive away goal proved to be the turning point in the tie, with coach Miguel Cardoso praising his players for their tactical discipline and calmness during difficult moments.
A Second African Crown
This latest triumph added another chapter to Sundowns’ growing legacy in African football. Their first CAF Champions League title came in 2016 when they defeated Egyptian giants Zamalek in the final to become African champions for the first time.
That victory transformed the image of the club internationally and established Sundowns as a force capable of competing with Africa’s traditional football powers.
The 2026 title carries even greater significance because it confirms that the club’s success was not a once off achievement. Instead, it reflects years of investment, stability, and long term planning both on and off the pitch.
CAF Online described Sundowns’ journey as one of the most consistent stories in African club football over the last decade. The club has regularly reached the knockout stages of continental competitions and remained one of Africa’s highest ranked sides.
Miguel Cardoso Delivers Success
Much of the praise following the triumph went to coach Miguel Cardoso. The Portuguese tactician arrived with the responsibility of guiding one of Africa’s biggest clubs back to continental success, and he delivered in impressive fashion.
Cardoso built a balanced team that combined attacking flair with defensive organisation. Throughout the tournament, Sundowns demonstrated patience in possession, intelligent pressing, and the ability to control matches even in difficult away environments.
After the final whistle, Cardoso highlighted the importance of belief and teamwork. He praised the players for their mental strength during the tense second leg in Morocco and described the achievement as a reward for months of hard work.
The coach also became one of the few European managers to win the CAF Champions League with a South African club, further enhancing his growing reputation in world football.
South African Football Celebrates
Sundowns’ victory sparked celebrations across South Africa as fans praised the club for once again raising the country’s flag proudly on the continental stage.
The success also reignited memories of the legendary 2016 squad led by stars such as Denis Onyango, Hlompho Kekana, and Percy Tau. While this new generation features different faces, the ambition and winning mentality remain unchanged.
Football analysts believe the title could have a major impact on South African football by inspiring young players and increasing the profile of the domestic league across the continent.
With another CAF Champions League trophy now added to their cabinet, Sundowns have strengthened their claim as one of the greatest clubs in African football history. The challenge now will be to build on this success and continue dominating both locally and internationally.
For now, however, the Brazilians can celebrate another unforgettable moment as kings of African football once again.