Sundowns vs AS FAR Tips - CAF Champions League Final Leg 1
Mamelodi Sundowns host AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld. South Africa's continental pride is on the line.
Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Morocco's AS FAR to Loftus Versfeld on Sunday 17 May 2026 in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final. Sundowns are chasing a second continental title, having last lifted the trophy in 2016. AS FAR, winners in 1985, aim to end a 41-year drought. The champions will earn a record US$6 million prize, confirmed by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, according to SuperSport.
- Loftus Versfeld is a fortress for Sundowns: a home advantage that should translate into a first-leg lead
- AS FAR reached their first final since 1985 and are unknown quantity for many SA punters: Morocco's top side
- Sundowns are 20-8-1 in the PSL this season, the strongest squad depth on the continent
The Pick Card
Odds from Betway and Hollywoodbets. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
| Selection | Bookmaker | Odds | Stake | Operator CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamelodi Sundowns to Win | Betway | @1.65 | 3 Units | Visit Betway |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Hollywoodbets | @2.20 | 2 Units | Visit Hollywoodbets |
Match Preview
Sundowns are the dominant force in African club football right now. Their 55-goal haul in the PSL this season reflects a dynamic attack, and coach Miguel Cardoso has shown a fondness for quick transitions and high pressing. AS FAR are a technical Moroccan side who play a controlled, defensive block in Europe-influenced style. Expect the first leg to be cagey in the opening 20 minutes before Sundowns' quality asserts itself.
The Pretoria altitude and the packed home support at Loftus Versfeld should give Sundowns an additional edge. AS FAR will set up to contain and hit on the counter, making the first goal critical. According to CAF Online, both clubs are former continental champions meeting for the first time in a final, adding historical weight to the occasion.
Head-to-Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | First meeting in a CAF Champions League final | Final (1st Leg) | ||
| 2025 | Mamelodi Sundowns | Runners-up | CAF Champions League Final | |
Recent Form
Mamelodi Sundowns (last 5): WWDWL
AS FAR (last 5 CAFCL): Won the semi-final to reach the final: Morocco's outstanding club side this decade.
Predicted Lineups
Sundowns are expected to field a near-full-strength XI given the magnitude of the occasion. Confirmed squads will be released closer to kick-off on 17 May.
CAF Champions League Final Context
This final marks the culmination of a gruelling continental campaign that began in August 2025. Sundowns worked through the group stage and knockout rounds with a combination of tactical discipline and attacking fluency. Their 2016 title, won under Pitso Mosimane, remains the high point of South African club football. A second title would cement this generation of Sundowns players as the greatest in the club's history.
AS FAR's road to the final was equally impressive. The Moroccan side drew on deep tactical experience and a cohesive squad structure that eliminated well-fancied opponents in the semi-finals. They will arrive in Pretoria with a clear defensive game plan: frustrate Sundowns, deny space in behind, and look to steal a goal from a set piece or counter-attack.
Verdict
Back Sundowns to win the first leg at home. The quality gap is real, the crowd advantage is genuine, and the motivation from 2025's final defeat adds extra fuel. Betway at @1.65 for the win is the main play. Visit Betway
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