Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are preparing for a blockbuster showdown against Moroccan giants AS FAR in the final of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League on Sunday, November 15, with both teams chasing a historic third continental crown.
The highly anticipated final will take place at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm South African time.
The encounter brings together two of Africa’s most successful women’s football clubs, setting the stage for a battle that could determine the continent’s first three-time champions.
Sundowns booked their place in the final after producing an impressive 4-1 victory over Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Ronnel Donnelly was the star of the show, scoring a remarkable first-half hat-trick in the 29th, 35th and 37th minutes. Noxolo Cesane added another goal just before half-time to put the South Africans firmly in control.
Kawempe pulled one back through Latifah Nakasi in the 72nd minute, but Sundowns comfortably protected their advantage to secure their place in the final.
Their opponents, AS FAR, reached the decider after edging Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles 1-0, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak scoring the decisive goal in the 48th minute.
A final with history at stake
Sunday’s encounter is a repeat of the 2022 final, when AS FAR defeated Sundowns 4-0 to claim their first CAF Women’s Champions League title.
The Moroccan side subsequently lifted the trophy again in 2025, while Sundowns were crowned African champions in 2021 and 2023.
Both teams have therefore won the competition twice, making Sunday’s showdown particularly significant.
Sundowns will be determined to reclaim the continental crown, while AS FAR will aim to defend their title and become the first team to win the competition in consecutive editions.
The South African champions will also need to improve their decision-making in the final third and convert their scoring opportunities against an experienced opponent.
Sundowns midfielder Wendy Shongwe has stressed the importance of taking chances and winning second balls as the team prepares for the decisive encounter.
The stakes extend beyond continental bragging rights. The winners will receive US$600 000, approximately R10.8 million in prize money, and qualify for the next stage of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
With two established continental powerhouses meeting in the final, South African supporters will be hoping Sundowns can deliver another memorable performance and bring the trophy home.
