Mamelodi Sundowns will take a slender advantage into the second leg of the CAF Champions League final after edging AS FAR Rabat 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday evening.
A moment of brilliance from Aubrey Modiba proved decisive as the defender curled home a superb free-kick in the 36th minute to hand Masandawana a narrow, but deserved, first-leg victory in Pretoria.
Despite dominating large spells of the encounter and creating several clear-cut opportunities, Sundowns were left frustrated by wasteful finishing and the heroics of AS FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, ensuring the Moroccan giants remain firmly in contention ahead of the return leg in Rabat.
The current South African champions started brightly, controlling possession and pinning the visitors deep inside their own half. However, both sides struggled for composure in the opening exchanges, giving away possession cheaply while searching for an early breakthrough.
The deadlock was eventually broken just before halftime after Tashreeq Matthews was brought down outside the box by Yunis Abdelhamid. Modiba stepped up and curled an excellent effort beyond Tagnaouti to give Sundowns a 1-0 lead at the break, his second goal of the season.
The hosts turned up the pressure after the restart and should have extended their advantage.
Brayan Leon squandered two excellent opportunities, including a one-on-one chance in the 62nd minute, while youngster Kutlwano Letlhaku was denied by a magnificent save from Tagnaouti three minutes later after racing through on goal.
AS FAR survived another scare late in the match when Teboho Mokoena struck the post with a powerful free-kick in the 85th minute following a foul on Khuliso Mudau.
Sundowns ultimately held on for the victory, but their inability to convert further chances means the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the decisive second leg at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Speaking after the match, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso called for calm and sportsmanship ahead of the return fixture in Morocco amid concerns over tensions surrounding the final.
I hope everything is under control and that people are safe because there is nothing more important than people, life and health,” said Cardoso.
“It is a football match and we want to make it a beautiful match for everybody. Football and sportsmanship must prevail. We will prepare for the second leg in the right way and whatever happens in Morocco, our behaviour on the pitch must set the example.”
Cardoso also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline both on and off the field.
“If the behaviour inside the field is in the right direction, then outside it becomes much easier to control as well. That is the example we have to give,” he added.
AS FAR coach Alexandre Santos admitted his side struggled to impose their usual style of play, but remained confident they can overturn the deficit at home.
“It was not our intention to come here and lose, but the most important thing is that we are still very alive going into the second leg,” Santos said.
“We are used to having more possession and more control of matches, but Sundowns made that difficult for us. After they scored, we had to open up more spaces and against players of this quality it becomes very difficult.”
The Portuguese tactician believes home support in Rabat could play a crucial role in the return encounter.
“We will try everything we can at home with our supporters, our confidence and our philosophy. The tie is still open,” he said.
The second leg in Morocco is expected to be fiercely contested as Sundowns chase a second CAF Champions League title after their 2016 triumph, while AS FAR continue their pursuit of a first continental crown since 1985.