Mamelodi Sundowns took a slender advantage in the CAF Champions League final after edging Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (AS FAR) 1-0 in a first leg overshadowed by a malfunctioning VAR system. The South African champions struck through left-back Aubrey Modiba, whose superb free-kick from outside the box found the net eight minutes before half-time at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
The match descended into farce at the start of the second half when technical issues rendered the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system unusable. Both teams were left waiting for around 20 minutes before officials decided to resume play without VAR, in what many observers branded another embarrassing episode for African football on a big stage.
Sundowns could have won by a wider margin but Colombian striker Brayan León missed three clear chances early in the second half. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena then struck the post with another free-kick five minutes from time as the hosts pushed for a second goal.
Despite the frustrations, Sundowns will be pleased to have kept a clean sheet and denied AS FAR a precious away goal under the competition’s rules. The Pretoria side are chasing their second Champions League crown, having last lifted the title in 2016, while AS FAR are seeking a first continental triumph in the modern CAF era, 41 years after winning the old African Champions Cup.
The second leg is scheduled for next Sunday in Rabat, where Royal Armed Forces will hope home advantage and a fired-up crowd can overturn the deficit. The controversy over the faulty VAR is expected to fuel renewed calls for CAF to improve officiating technology and match organisation at its flagship competitions.
About the author
Alonso confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager
Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Spanish coach Xabi Alonso as their new manager, handing the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder a four‑year contract. The Premier League club announced that Alonso will officially assume duties on July 1, 2026, and lead the men’s first team into the new season. Alonso, 44, has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January after a turbulent seven‑month spell in charge at the Bernabéu. Before that, he enjoyed a hugely successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German club to the first Bundesliga title in their history and built a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches. Chelsea described Alonso as “one of the most respected figures in the modern game,” saying his appointment reflects the club’s belief in his tactical acumen, leadership and integrity. He becomes the […]
African Champions League: Sundowns edge Royal Armed Forces amid faulty VAR
Mamelodi Sundowns took a slender advantage in the CAF Champions League final after edging Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (AS FAR) 1-0 in a first leg overshadowed by a malfunctioning VAR system. The South African champions struck through left-back Aubrey Modiba, whose superb free-kick from outside the box found the net eight minutes before half-time at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The match descended into farce at the start of the second half when technical issues rendered the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system unusable. Both teams were left waiting for around 20 minutes before officials decided to resume play without VAR, in what many observers branded another embarrassing episode for African football on a big stage. Sundowns could have won by a wider margin but Colombian striker Brayan León missed three clear chances early in the second half. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena then […]
Eagles to know 2027 AFCON qualifying foes Tuesday
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will on Tuesday know their opponents for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when the Confederation of African Football conducts the draw in Cairo, Egypt. The draw, scheduled for May 19, 2026, will take place at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association. CAF has confirmed that 48 countries, including co‑hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will take part in the qualifying series for AFCON PAMOJA 2027. The teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the finals, although only one additional team will qualify from any group that includes one of the three co‑hosts, who are already assured of a place as hosts. The 2027 AFCON will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, and will be the first time the tournament is […]
China denounces Taiwan foreign minister’s Switzerland visit amid WHO meeting
China has denounced a planned visit to Switzerland by Taiwan’s foreign minister, saying the trip, timed to coincide with the World Health Organization’s annual assembly in Geneva, violates the One China principle. Beijing has already blocked Taiwan from participating in the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer, but Taipei has vowed to send a delegation for meetings outside the official gathering. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said Taiwan’s outreach in Switzerland amounts to “separatist” activity and accused the island’s government of using the global health forum to push for “independence under the pretext of health cooperation.” The spokesperson reiterated that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an “inalienable” part of its territory. China’s opposition comes after it formally informed the WHO that it would […]
5.2-magnitude quake kills couple in south China
A 5.2‑magnitude earthquake has struck Liuzhou city in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region of south China, killing a couple and damaging dozens of buildings. The shallow quake hit Liunan District at about 12:21am local time on Monday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). State media reported that the victims were a 63‑year‑old man and his 53‑year‑old wife, who died when their home collapsed during the tremor. At least 13 buildings were confirmed to have collapsed and more than 100 others were damaged to varying degrees, while one person remained missing as of Monday morning. The quake, which struck at a depth of about 8km, was felt in several surrounding cities including Nanning, Guilin and Wuzhou, prompting residents to rush out of their homes in panic. Videos shared by Chinese media showed people fleeing high‑rise buildings and piles of […]
Sultan declares May 18th as first day of Zulhijja 1447AH
The Sultan of Sokoto and President‑General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Zulhijja 1447 After Hijrah (AH). The declaration followed credible reports of the sighting of the crescent moon of Zulhijja in parts of Nigeria on Sunday evening. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu. The statement said the successful sighting of the new moon marks the commencement of Zulhijja, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the holiest periods in Islam. With this declaration, Muslims in Nigeria and beyond will begin preparations for the sacred rites and celebrations associated with Zulhijja, […]
Related
Alonso confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager
Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Spanish coach Xabi Alonso as their new manager, handing the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder a four‑year contract. The Premier League club announced that Alonso will officially assume duties on July 1, 2026, and lead the men’s first team into the new season. Alonso, 44, has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January after a turbulent seven‑month spell in charge at the Bernabéu. Before that, he enjoyed a hugely successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German club to the first Bundesliga title in their history and built a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches. Chelsea described Alonso as “one of the most respected figures in the modern game,” saying his appointment reflects the club’s belief in his tactical acumen, leadership and integrity. He becomes the […]
Eagles to know 2027 AFCON qualifying foes Tuesday
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will on Tuesday know their opponents for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when the Confederation of African Football conducts the draw in Cairo, Egypt. The draw, scheduled for May 19, 2026, will take place at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association. CAF has confirmed that 48 countries, including co‑hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will take part in the qualifying series for AFCON PAMOJA 2027. The teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the finals, although only one additional team will qualify from any group that includes one of the three co‑hosts, who are already assured of a place as hosts. The 2027 AFCON will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, and will be the first time the tournament is […]
Kelechi Iheanacho: It feels so good, I can’t let go of this trophy
Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed his delight after helping Celtic clinch the Scottish Premiership title, calling the triumph one of the sweetest moments of his career. Speaking in a post‑match interview while clutching the league trophy, the Nigerian forward said: “It feels good, it feels so good, I can’t let go of this trophy.” Iheanacho joined Celtic last summer and endured a mixed season disrupted by injury, but he played a crucial role in the title run‑in. Coming off the bench in the decisive game, he helped turn the tide for the Hoops as they secured the win needed to finish top of the table and extend their dominance in Scotland. Reflecting on the pressure of the occasion, Iheanacho admitted that the tension was enormous but said the team never lost belief. “It was a big tension and […]
FIFA holds talks with Iran over 2026 World Cup participation
FIFA has invited officials from the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) for talks over the country’s participation at the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The meeting is expected to take place at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich and comes amid heightened political tensions and questions over Iran’s ability and willingness to play matches on U.S. soil. Iran had earlier hinted it might withdraw from the tournament following military clashes with the U.S. and concerns over travel restrictions, visas and security for players and officials. Despite this, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly insisted that Iran will participate, stressing at the FIFA Congress that “of course Iran will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026” and will play in the United States. Reports say FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström will […]
Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso as coach on four-year deal
Chelsea have appointed Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year deal, bringing an end to weeks of speculation over the club’s next head coach. The 44-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder will take charge from July 1, 2026, after agreeing a contract that runs until 2030. Alonso has been out of work since his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid ended in January, but his reputation remains high after previously guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an historic unbeaten Bundesliga title. Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, identified him as their top target following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior and moved quickly to finalise personal terms. Reports say Alonso sought clear assurances over Chelsea’s transfer strategy and the extent of his authority before committing to the project. His title as manager rather than just head coach is seen as a significant […]
O’Neill: Iheanacho has been terrific
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has described Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho as “terrific” following a string of decisive performances in the Scottish Premiership title race. The Nigerian forward has come up big for the Hoops in recent weeks, scoring late winners and crucial goals despite limited minutes and earlier injury problems. Iheanacho grabbed the headlines with a dramatic 99th-minute penalty in Celtic’s 3–2 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park, keeping their championship hopes alive heading into the final day. Before that, he netted the match-winner in a 2–1 win over Hibernian, taking his tally to four goals in his last five appearances across all competitions. “Iheanacho has been terrific for us with the little cameo roles that he’s done,” O’Neill told BBC Scotland after the Motherwell game. “He’s had a really frustrating time this season with hamstring problems, but he […]
Be the first to leave a comment