Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the CAF Champions League final for the second year in a row, setting up a two-legged encounter against Morocco's AS FAR. This represents the South African giants' fourth appearance in Africa's elite club competition final, building on their previous victory in 2016 alongside defeats in 2001 and 2025. The journey to this stage has proven demanding, with Masandawana playing twelve matches and securing seven wins alongside three draws and two defeats, demonstrating the competitive nature of their continental campaign.
The Pretoria-based outfit's path began in the second round against Nigerian champions Remo Stars, whom they dismantled with a commanding 5-1 away victory in Abeokuta followed by a 2-0 home win. The group stage presented stiffer competition as Sundowns finished runners-up in Group C behind Sudan's Al Hilal, navigating a challenging pool that included MC Alger and Saint Eloi Lupopo. Their progression was secured only on the final matchday with a crucial 2-0 home victory over MC Alger, demonstrating their resilience despite inconsistent performances throughout the group phase.
The knockout rounds saw Sundowns face Mali's Stade Malien in the quarter-finals, producing an emphatic 3-0 home performance before enduring a tense away fixture. This sequence of results ultimately secured their berth in the final, showcasing the character required to navigate Africa's most prestigious club tournament. Their return to consecutive finals reflects both the quality and determination within their squad as they prepare for the challenge posed by AS FAR.