Mamelodi Sundowns Edge AS FAR In CAF Champions League Final First Leg Amid VAR Disruptions

Mamelodi Sundowns Edge AS FAR In CAF Champions League Final First Leg Amid VAR Disruptions

Sampson Adedeji

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League Final, in a match overshadowed by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technical issues, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decisive moment came through Aubrey Modiba, whose strike handed the South African champions a slender advantage heading into the return leg.

However, the encounter was marred by unexpected VAR disruptions in the first half, causing delays and confusion during key moments of the game. 

Match officials were forced to proceed without the technology for a period in the second half before it was eventually restored.

The technical setbacks have raised concerns over officiating standards at a critical stage of Africa’s premier club competition, with calls for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to address the issues ahead of the second leg.

Despite the controversy, Sundowns will take confidence from their home win as they prepare to face AS FAR in the decisive return fixture, where the Moroccan side will look to overturn the deficit.