Assahafa.com
AS FAR fell 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, played on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The match’s only goal was scored by South African international Aubrey Modiba in the 37th minute from a set piece struck from around 30 meters out, beating AS FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
In a tactical and highly contested encounter, the hosts largely dominated possession but struggled to break down the visitors’ compact defensive block.
The South Africans, faithful to their style built on long passing sequences, dictated the tempo but came up against a disciplined Moroccan defense. Midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams circulated the ball well but found it difficult to create openings.
Meanwhile, AS FAR looked dangerous on their first real attacking move. From a well-delivered set piece, central defender Yunis Abdelhamid rose above the South African defense, but his header narrowly missed the target guarded by Ronwen Williams, in the clearest chance of the opening quarter-hour.
Despite limited attacking options, AS FAR created danger down both flanks through wingers Youssef El Fahli and Ahmed Hammoudan, though they failed to convert their opportunities.
AS FAR’s defensive resistance, having not conceded a first-half goal throughout their continental campaign this season, was finally broken in the 37th minute.
From a free kick curled in from nearly 30 meters out, South African international full-back Aubrey Modiba struck a superb effort into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
Shortly after halftime, the match was suspended for nearly 20 minutes due to a technical issue involving the VAR system before resuming after lengthy discussions.
Stung by the goal conceded in the first half, the teammates of Rabie Hrimat increased their efforts and pushed forward more aggressively in search of a crucial away goal.
However, the South Africans intensified their attacks in an attempt to extend their lead, particularly through Colombian striker Brayan León Muñiz, who missed a one-on-one opportunity against the AS FAR goalkeeper in the 62nd minute.
Rabat will host the second-leg match on May 24.
Source: map
