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3mo ago

Modiba Free Kick Puts Sundowns Ahead as VAR Failure Mars CAF Final First Leg

A VAR breakdown alongside a likely injury to goalscorer Aubrey Modiba sets a tense stage for the Rabat decider.

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Aubrey Modiba celebrates scoring for Mamelodi Sundowns against FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions final first leg.
Soccer Football - CAF Champions League - Final - First Leg - Mamelodi Sundowns v AS FAR - Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa - May 17, 2026 Mamelodi Sundowns' Aubrey Modiba scores their first goal past AS FAR's Reda Tagnaouti REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Aubrey Modiba celebrates after netting his superb free kick against AS FAR at Loftus Stadium in the Champions League final on Sunday. Picture: Phakamisa Lensman/Backpagepix

Overview

  • Mamelodi Sundowns beat Morocco’s AS FAR 1-0 in Pretoria on Sunday, with left back Aubrey Modiba scoring from a 37th-minute free kick in the CAF Champions League final first leg.
  • The second half started 20–25 minutes late due to a VAR breakdown, and play resumed without video review for a stretch under referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, who oversaw the disputed 2025 AFCON final.
  • Coach Miguel Cardoso said Modiba hobbled off with what looks like a hamstring issue and will probably miss the return match in Rabat.
  • Brayan León squandered several clear chances and Teboho Mokoena hit the post late, leaving Sundowns with only a one-goal cushion after long spells of control.
  • The return leg is scheduled for May 24 in Rabat, with a record $6 million going to the champions and $4 million to the runners-up.