FAR Rabat vs. Mamelodi Sundowns prediction and probable lineups — 24 May 2026
FAR Rabat
The CAF Champions League final second leg between FAR Rabat and Mamelodi Sundowns is the kind of matchup where a 1-0 scoreline means absolutely nothing is guaranteed.
- See also: Pharco vs National Bank of Egypt prediction and probable lineups — 22 May 2026
The South Africans clinched the first leg in Pretoria thanks to a stunning free-kick from Aubrey Modiba, but by the run of play, many expected them to come away with a much bigger lead. Sundowns truly looked the stronger side, dominating possession, creating chances, and more than once letting the Moroccans off the hook. Instead of a comfortable 2-0 or 3-0, they walk away with a minimal victory—and now face a perilous trip to Rabat.
And now, the real drama begins.
FAR return home to what promises to be an absolutely electric atmosphere. For the Moroccan club, this is a shot at Africa’s biggest club prize for the first time since 1985. Rabat has been buzzing about this match for days. If the team played with too much caution in the first leg, expect a very different approach at home. Sitting deep and just soaking up pressure all game won’t cut it—they need to score.
Yet, the first match exposed a worrying truth for FAR: against Sundowns’ pressing and ball control, they were often left chasing shadows. The South Africans bossed possession and FAR didn’t manage a single shot on target the entire game. For a final, that’s a huge red flag.
Still, the 0-1 scoreline keeps the tie wide open. One goal—and it’s game on.
Mamelodi, in fact, look like one of the most mature teams in Africa right now. This is no longer just a side that plays attractive football. They’ve become far more pragmatic. After last season’s final heartbreak, Sundowns clearly learned their lesson. Now, they know how to be patient, kill the tempo, and manage the game by the scoreline. That could be the deciding factor in Rabat.
That said, there’s a sense Sundowns might regret not taking more from the first leg. They had plenty of chances—Brian Leon should have scored several times, Teboho Mokoena hit the crossbar, and FAR keeper Reda Tagnaouti kept his side alive. Had the South Africans converted even half their chances, talk of a comeback would be much less realistic.
That’s what makes the second leg so dangerous for the visitors. There’s an old football adage: if you don’t finish off your opponent in a final, you might live to regret it. Especially in Morocco, where big clubs’ home games become a pressure cooker like no other.
Still, don’t expect a wild, open game. This is a final, and the stakes are massive. Most likely, FAR will start aggressively, trying to overwhelm Sundowns with emotion and crowd energy in the first 20-25 minutes. Sundowns, for their part, will probably bet on controlling possession and launching quick attacks down the flanks.
This clash is fascinating from a tactical standpoint, too. FAR are more vertical and emotional. Sundowns play with a nearly European style: positional play, possession, structure, constant ball movement. Sometimes, they even look like a mini Manchester City at the African level. It’s no wonder many call them the continent’s most ‘European’ team.
And there’s one more crucial factor—psychology. For FAR, this is a historic chance to reclaim their status as African heavyweights. For Sundowns, it’s a shot to be kings of the continent again, ten years after their 2016 triumph.
So, the script is simple:
- an early FAR goal—and the final explodes into life.
- if Sundowns withstand the opening pressure, the game could become very cagey and uncomfortable for the hosts.
- one away goal would almost certainly kill off the intrigue for good.
But as things stand, we’re in for a tense, hard-fought battle where a single moment could decide the fate of the entire tournament. And it’s finals like these that live long in the memory.
My prediction: total goals under 2.5.
Probable lineups:
- AS FAR Rabat: Tagnaouti, Abdelhamid, Louadni, Carneiro, Hammoudan, Bach, Ourkane, Hrimat, Slim, Hadraf, Fahli.
- Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Ndamane, Mudau, Mokoena, Cupido, Matthews, Allende, Adams, Santos, Muñiz, Letlhaku.
