It was a result Sundowns needed badly. Three days after a shock 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy gave Orlando Pirates the edge in the Betway Premiership title race, Miguel Cardoso’s side produced enough to take an advantage to Rabat – even if the margin could, and perhaps should, have been more commanding.
Cardoso made notable changes from Tuesday’s loss. Keanu Cupido returned to the starting lineup after the injury scare against Kaizer Chiefs that had raised doubts about his availability. Jayden Adams also came back in after serving his suspension, joining Teboho Mokoena and Nuno Santos in what was an attacking-minded midfield.
AS FAR were disciplined and well-organised from the first whistle, happy to sit deep and threaten on the counter and from set-pieces. Yunis Abdelhamid went close with a headed effort midway through the first half as a reminder of their aerial threat. Sundowns controlled possession but struggled to break down a compact defensive shape in open play.
The breakthrough came from a sensational free-kick in the 37th minute. Modiba stepped up from long range and struck a magical strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti with no chance.
What a free-kick from Aubrey Modiba🔥⚽
A stunning strike gives Masandawana the advantage 👆🟡
📺 Stream #TotalEnergiesCAFCL on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/qPfFHYnmbl
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 17, 2026
The second half was disrupted early by a VAR technical failure that delayed kick-off and forced the first portion of the half to be played without video assistance.
Sundowns created chance after chance without adding to their lead. Brayan Leon had three excellent opportunities – selling his defender with a clever dummy before blazing over, running in behind only to be denied by a superb Tagnaouti save, and the missing the target with the goal at his mercy. Mokoena rattled the upright with a thunderous free kick that left Tagnaouti rooted.
The evening was not without its concerns. Modiba, who had scored the opener, pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury and was replaced by Divine Lunga. His availability for the second leg looks doubtful, and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a month away, the timing could not be worse.
A 1-0 lead heading to Rabat next Sunday is a platform Sundowns will welcome. But Tagnaouti’s performance – and Leon’s wastefulness – means the tie remains very much alive. Cardoso will know his side must be more clinical in Morocco if they are to claim a second CAF Champions League title.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
