Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco's Royal Armed Forces in the first leg of the African Champions League final in Pretoria on May 17, 2026 [1, 2]. Left back Aubrey Modiba scored the only goal with a free kick from outside the penalty box eight minutes before halftime [1, 2].
The match's second half was delayed for 20 minutes due to a faulty VAR system. Both teams agreed to continue without VAR for the remainder of the game [1, 2]. Sundowns striker Brayan Leon missed three clear chances early in the second half to extend the lead [1, 2]. Near the end, midfielder Teboho Mokoena struck the visitors' upright with a free kick, coming close to doubling the advantage [1, 2].
Jean-Jacques Ndala from the Democratic Republic of Congo officiated the match [1, 2].
Last season, Mamelodi Sundowns finished as runners-up in the Champions League and had previously won the competition in 2016 [1, 2]. Royal Armed Forces last won the African Champions Cup 41 years ago, before the current tournament format was established [1, 2].
Earlier in 2026, the African Cup of Nations final in Rabat faced controversy over VAR decisions and a Senegalese team walk-off [1, 2].
The return leg of the final is scheduled for May 24, 2026, in Rabat, where the Royal Armed Forces will look to overturn the first-leg deficit [1, 2].