Mamelodi Sundowns will host Morocco's AS FAR at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final [1], [2].

The match represents a high-stakes clash between a South African side seeking its first title under current leadership and a Moroccan club making its debut in the final. This encounter sets the stage for a two-legged series to determine the champion of African club football [1], [3].

The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2026 [1], [4]. Mamelodi Sundowns enter the contest under the guidance of coach Miguel Cardoso, who is appearing in his third consecutive final [5]. Cardoso is aiming to secure the title for the Pretoria-based club after previous attempts fell short.

Opposing them is AS FAR, led by coach Alexandre Santos. This match marks the first final appearance for Santos [5]. The Moroccan side enters the competition as a debutant in the championship round, looking to establish its dominance on the continent.

Loftus Versfeld Stadium will serve as the venue for the opening leg [2], [3]. The stadium is expected to provide a significant home-field advantage for Sundowns as they attempt to build a lead before the second leg in Morocco.

Both teams have navigated a rigorous tournament to reach this stage. The outcome of the Sunday match will heavily influence the tactical approach for the return leg, as both managers seek to balance offensive aggression with defensive stability.

“Mamelodi Sundowns will host Morocco's AS FAR at Loftus Versfeld Stadium”

The final pits a seasoned competitor in Miguel Cardoso against a first-time finalist in Alexandre Santos. For Mamelodi Sundowns, the match is about breaking a ceiling to achieve continental glory, while for AS FAR, it is an opportunity to announce their arrival as a powerhouse in African football.