Mamelodi Sundowns Stage Comeback to Clinch African Football League Title

South African side Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the inaugural African Football League (AFL) title with a 2-0 second-leg triumph over Wydad Casablanca, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Facing a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, Sundowns orchestrated a comeback at the lively Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Despite Wydad's disruptive pressing and fouls, Sundowns persevered.

Peter Shalulile broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, seizing the rebound after Youssef El Motie parried Teboho Mokoena's shot. Aubrey Modiba extended the lead five minutes into the second half, intercepting a wayward pass and finishing clinically.

With a two-goal deficit required for victory, Wydad's efforts fell short. Sundowns strategically slowed the pace, and intentional yellow cards for time-wasting added to the tension.

Wydad's Ayoub El Amloud missed a late chance with a header, and Sundowns held firm to secure the historic AFL title. Coach Rulani Mokwena's tactical prowess overcame early pressure, marking Sundowns as the inaugural champions of the new AFL competition.