Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Aubrey Modiba has opened up on some lessons drawn from their 2025 CAF Champions League final ahead of the 2026 first leg final decider.
Sundowns went into last season’s final as favourites but fell 3-2 to Egyptian side Pyramids FC over two legs. Miguel Cardoso’s men have tasted continental football glory a decade ago under Pitso Mosimane.
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This season, things have not gone great for Sundowns domestically. They haven’t won a cup and look likely to not defend their Betway Premiership league title making the Champions League final all important to save their blushes.
Now they have to defeat Morocco’s ASFAR in Pretoria on Sunday and also have a positive result away in Morocco next week to secure their second star.
Addressing the media ahead of the first leg encounter, Modiba said they know they are not entitled to win even with the Champions League finals experience.
The South African international added it will be important to keep the back door closed at home and get goals.
“The lessons we have taken from last season I think I’ve touched briefly on that one even the coach,” said Modiba.
“Obviously last season we conceded at home in the first leg. Like I said coach touched on that, we are aware of the away goal rule and obviously we’ll try by all means to keep seal at the back and hopefully score goals at home.
“But obviously we know these games are never easy especially because ASFAR if I’m not mistaken it’s their first time in a final. Obviously, they are going to try by all means to fight and win it as well as much as we want it.
“But the lessons are the ones that I’ve touched and hopefully we can be able to rectify that going into another game in Morocco.”
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