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How Mamelodi Sundowns silenced the vocal AS FAR fans to attain second star | 2025-26 CAF Champions League

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2025-26 CAF Champions League:

  • Final (2nd Leg): AS FAR (Morocco) 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
  • Aggregate: Mamelodi Sundowns won 2-1 on aggregate

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, home of Uganda legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango lifted the CAF Champions League trophy for the second time in history since their founding year in 1970.

Before a fully packed intimidating Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Brazilians held their nerves, displayed a gallant performance with composed play, good solid defence and occasional counterattacks.

Mamelodi Sundowns XI Vs AS FAR

The return leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroocco’s AS FAR ended 1-all with the former triumphing 2-1 on aggregate.

AS FAR commenced the game brilliantly, creating the better scoring opportunities not put to bed, thanks to the organizational discipline from the visitors.

AS FAR captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat

The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when skipper Mohamed Rabie Hrimat sent Williams the wrong way from 12 yards after a VAR checked penalty.

In the closing moments of the 7 added minutes before the climax of the first half, Teboho Mokoena volleyed home from close range for a life-line of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Teboho Mokoena celebrates

As the visitors celebrated at one side of the corner flag, a section of fans threw water bottles and other missiles towards the players.

Denis Onyango, one of the celebrating players threw back one of the bottles and he was sent off during the break to leave Mamelodi Sundowns without a substitute goalkeeper for the next 45 minutes.

The second half witnessed a shift in power. Mamelodi Sundowns ventured upfront often with quicker breaks as AS FAR maintained their first half momentum.

Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan awarded a second penalty to the hosts with 14 minutes to play after a VAR referee.

This time round Hrimat’s shot to goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ left was saved as the ball flew over for a corner kick.

Ronwen Williams saves a penalty

The stadium went dumb at this stage and many frustrated fans were seen walking out of the stadium. Mamelodi Sundowns held onto the game until full time.

The handful of yellow decorated fans caged at the apex of the gigantic stadium celebrated in the stands as so did the fans on the green grass.

Mamelodi Sundowns, winning their second CAF Champions League trophy since 2016 pocketed USD 6,000,000 for the hard toiled sweat and effort.

Only two Mamelodi Sundowns’ players Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango survive from the triumphant 2016 squad.

Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate

Today when I was sleeping, I saw myself scoring a goal like that. I have been saying to my family I hope God is on our side tonight and He was. I am very grateful, I am very happy. I know how much it means for everyone back home. The staff, everyone, Mom Zo in the kitchen, our supporters – a small group, our 57 people home. I am very excited, I do not know what to say next time we are gonna wear this jersey, it is going to have two stars, so I’m very happy.


Teboho Mokoena

Mamelodi Sundowns, the champions of 2025-26 CAF Champions League

The post How Mamelodi Sundowns silenced the vocal AS FAR fans to attain second star | 2025-26 CAF Champions League appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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Vipers braced for most difficult game against Gor Mahia – Lavagne

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Monday July 27, 2026

  • Pele stadium, Kigali 4pm [EAT]

Denis Lavagne still maintains that Vipers’ main target is the start of the season in Uganda when his side face Kitara in the Fufa Super Cup on August 23 but remain braced for Gor Mahia clash.

The Cecafa Kagame Cup Group A clash at Pele stadium, Kigali pits two sides who won their opening two matches and a win could secure them a place in the semi-final.

Vipers saw off Djibouti’s Garde Republicaine 3-0 while Gor Mahia humiliated hosts APR 5-0 in their first game.

Lavagne expects a difficult game against the Kenyan giants who will be slight favourites in the tie.

“We are not yet 100-percent but we are here to continue with progress,” started Lavagne.

“We have a difficult game tomorrow (Monday) because Gor Mahia is a good team and won the first game so it is good test for our players.

“But I think the players want to show progress and I expect a better game than the first because despite victory, we didn’t play so well especially after the first half yet I want consistent.

“The target for me remains the August 23 Fufa Super Cup game in Uganda but we hope to win tomorrow and progress to the semi-final.”

K’Ogalo were ruthless against APR and Lavagne says this is the most difficult game in the group.

“We have to work hard and improve many things. Gor Mahia is the most difficult in the group but the players are motivated and we shall do all it takes to win.”

With APR likely to overcome Garde Republicaine in the later game, both Gor Mahia and Vipers need victory to enlighten chances of reaching the last four.

The post Vipers braced for most difficult game against Gor Mahia – Lavagne appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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Uganda Cranes midfielder Al-Hassan moves to Turkey

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Uganda Cranes midfielder Baba Al-Hassan has joined Turkish entity Madrin 1969 Spor Club on a two-year deal.

Al Hassan, 26, joins the Turkish side from FCSB in Romania where he spent two seasons, scoring twice in 72 appearances.

We wish Baba Alhassan, who we believe will make significant contributions to our goals with his experience, character and quality, a career full of success under our red-navy blue jersey and hope that he will be beneficial to our community

Mardin 1969 Spor statement

Born in Accra, Ghana; the holding midfielder commenced his career at African Talent Football Academy before joining Real Valladolid in 2019.

He played for Real Valladolid B between 2018 and 2019 before crossed to Romania’s Hermannstadt as a free agent in 2020.

Al Hassan is capped five times for Uganda Cranes. He was part of the 25-man final squad that represented Uganda at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Baba Al-Hassan being unveiled at Mardin 1969 Spor

For starters, Mardin Sports Club was founded in 1969 after a merger of Kalespor, Timurspor, Mezopotamyaspor and Genclikspor teams.

The Red and Navy blue colour themed entity hosts their home games at the 5700 seater 21 Kasim Stadium in Mardin.

They won the league title in the 2003/04 season.

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Uganda Cranes’ utility player Semakula joins Egyptian giants Al Ittihad Alexandria

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 Uganda Cranes international Kenneth Semakula has completed a move to Al Ittihad Alexandria.

The defender-cum-midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Adalah earlier this year.

Kenneth Semakula celebrates a Uganda Cranes victory Credit: CAF

The former Sports Club Villa player now begins a new chapter in Egypt.

He comes along to Al Ittihad Alexandria with valuable experience from spells in Uganda, Tunisia, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Kenneth Semakula (middle) with the club officials

After a youthful career at Vipers Sports Club, Semakula has since featured for Busoga United, BUL and Sports Club in Uganda.

He then crossed to Club Africain in Tunisia and played for Al-Arabi (Kuwait) and lately Al-Adalah in Saudi Arabia.

Semakula is capped 23 times for the Uganda Cranes since 2021.

The post Uganda Cranes’ utility player Semakula joins Egyptian giants Al Ittihad Alexandria appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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