By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the 2026 CAF Champions League final after a decisive home victory, with Colombian forward Brayan León once again proving the difference in a tightly contested semi-final.
León scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Espérance de Tunis in the second leg, sealing a 2–0 aggregate triumph and confirming Sundowns’ progression to the continental showpiece. The striker capitalized on a rebound after his penalty was saved, continuing his standout form after also netting the winner in the first leg in Tunis.
The result ensures Sundowns reach the CAF Champions League final for the fifth time in their history, following previous appearances in 2001, 2016, 2024, 2025, and now 2026. ([Wikipedia][2]) Their only triumph remains the 2016 victory over Zamalek SC, when they won 3–1 on aggregate to claim their maiden continental crown.
Saturday’s result at Loftus Versfeld underlined Sundowns’ growing dominance on the African stage. Despite late pressure from Espérance, including a shot that struck the crossbar, the South African side held firm to secure back-to-back final appearances.
The latest qualification continues a broader resurgence for South African club football, with Sundowns consistently reaching the latter stages of the competition in recent years. Their 2016 title ended a 21-year wait for a South African champion after Orlando Pirates lifted the trophy in 1995.
Sundowns will now face Moroccan opposition in the final, with the winner of the semi-final clash between RSB Berkane and AS FAR Rabat set to determine their opponent. The decisive ties are scheduled for May, as the Pretoria-based side aim to secure a second continental title and cement their place among Africa’s elite.