Mamelodi Sundowns moved one step closer to CAF Champions League glory after defeating AS FAR Rabat 1-0 in the first leg of the final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday night.
Fresh from completing their Betway Premiership campaign against TS Galaxy, the Brazilians shifted their full attention to continental football as they chased a second CAF Champions League title since lifting the trophy in 2016.
Sundowns controlled possession from the opening whistle and looked dangerous early on, but the visitors nearly grabbed the lead through a set-piece. Defender Yunis Abdelhamid rose highest in the box and directed a header just over the crossbar, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams left worried.
The hosts continued to push forward and came close midway through the first half when Aubrey Modiba delivered a dangerous ball into the area for Brayan Leon, whose effort flashed wide across goal.
Masandawana eventually found the breakthrough in the 37th minute through Neo Maema, who fired home to hand the home side a deserved advantage before halftime.
The second half was delayed due to technical problems with the Video Assistant Referee system, forcing the match to continue without VAR — much to the frustration of the Moroccan side.
Sundowns nearly doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Tasheeq Matthews played a superb through-ball for Leon, but the striker failed to hit the target with only goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti to beat.
Matthews remained lively and later created another opening for Kutlwano Letlhaku, whose shot from a tight angle was brilliantly saved by Tagnaouti.
AS FAR Rabat improved as the match went on but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a disciplined Sundowns defence. Coach Miguel Cardoso introduced Monnapule Saleng and Divine Lunga in the closing stages as the hosts looked to protect their lead.
Sundowns almost added a second goal late in the game when Teboho Mokoena struck the upright with a powerful long-range free-kick.
Despite the missed opportunities, the South African champions held firm to secure an important first-leg victory ahead of the decisive return match in Rabat next weekend.
