Sundowns Clash with Royal Army's Ambitions in CAF Champions League Final

As the clock strikes five this evening in Cairo, all eyes will be on Loftus Stadium in Pretoria, where the first leg of the CAF Champions League final for the 2025/2026 season will unfold. Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa will host Morocco's Royal Army in what promises to be an exhilarating encounter. Sundowns, who lost last year's final to Pyramids FC, are eager to claim their second Champions League title, having previously won in 2016. On the other hand, the Royal Army is looking to revive its glory days from 1985 when they became the first Moroccan team to lift the continental trophy. The stakes are high for both teams as they aim to secure a favorable result ahead of the return leg scheduled for May 24 in Rabat. The Royal Army has shown resilience throughout the tournament, eliminating Pyramids in the quarter-finals and defeating their compatriots, Nahda Berkan, in the semi-finals. Their strategy has focused on a solid defense, scoring only three goals in the group stage, the lowest among the 16 teams. Meanwhile, Sundowns are determined to achieve continental success, a goal that has driven the club for nearly a decade. After a surprising defeat in the domestic league, Sundowns are now fully focused on the Champions League. They have reached the final for the second consecutive year and the fourth time overall, having previously won in 2016 and lost in 2001 and 2025. Sundowns' journey to the final has been challenging, with 12 matches played, resulting in seven wins, three draws, and two losses. They began their campaign in the second preliminary round, defeating Nigeria's Remo Stars 5-1 on aggregate. Their group stage was marked by a mix of results, including a notable 3-1 victory over Saint Eloi Lupopo from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The team faced tough competition in the knockout stages, particularly against Tunisian giants, Esperance, where they secured their place in the final with a narrow aggregate win. As the match approaches, both teams are poised for a fierce battle, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.