Sundowns Lead at Half

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Star Striker Poised to Shine in CAF Champions League Final

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Colombian forward, Brayan León, is set to play a crucial role when the South African champions host Moroccan giants AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday, 17 May. Since joining the team in January, León has established himself as a key attacking threat, quickly becoming one of Sundowns’ standout performers.

León in Scorching Form

León is heading into the final in superb form, having scored 11 goals in the Betway Premiership and adding five more in the CAF Champions League. His continental contributions have been particularly vital, scoring the winning goals in both legs of Sundowns’ semi-final victory over Tunisian heavyweights Espérance Sportive de Tunis. This helped steer the Brazilians into another African final. León’s confidence is high after netting a hat-trick and a brace in his last two league appearances.

Chasing Individual Honours and Team Glory

Beyond helping Masandawana lift Africa’s premier club trophy for only a second time, León is also chasing individual honours. His five goals in this season’s competition place him joint second on the scoring charts, just one behind Taddeus Nkeng of Stade Malien and Egyptian international Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet of Al Ahly.

Mamelodi Sundowns Warned Against Complacency

Despite entering the final with momentum, coach Miguel Cardoso has dismissed suggestions that Mamelodi Sundowns are overwhelming favourites. “FAR are on the same level as Mamelodi Sundowns,” Cardoso warned. “They have developed a very strong team. We respect them. Those who believe the final will be easy for us are completely wrong.” The Portuguese tactician is eager to avoid a third straight Champions League final heartbreak after losing with Esperance in 2024 and suffering defeat with Sundowns against Pyramids FC last season.

AS FAR: The Quiet but Dangerous Opponent

AS FAR may have arrived in South Africa quietly, but the Moroccan side carries genuine threat. Led by Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos, FAR possess a balanced attack, with several players contributing goals rather than relying on one standout striker. Santos also has history against Sundowns, having masterminded a surprise victory over them while coaching Petro de Luanda in the 2021 CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Referee Controversy and Final Details

The appointment of Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo from the Democratic Republic of Congo as the referee for the first leg has sparked controversy, with both Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR unhappy with the decision. The final’s first leg will take place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, kicking off at 16:00. The second leg will be held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday, 24 May at 21:00 (SA time). Winners of the competition will receive $6 million, while runners-up will get $4 million.