Denis Onyango has added another continental title to his name after Mamelodi Sundowns beat FAR Rabat 2-1 on aggregate to win the CAF Champions League.
The Ugandan legendary goalkeeper watched from the bench in both legs of the final, but played a key role off the pitch as Sundowns sealed their second-ever Champions League crown.
The second leg in Morocco finished 1-1, enough for Sundowns to hold on after winning the first leg 1-0 at home. FAR Rabat gave themselves hope when Mohamed Hrimat converted a 40th-minute penalty after Divine Lunga fouled in the box.
But Sundowns hit back right before halftime through Teboho Mokoena, whose stunning strike earned him Man of the Match and is already a contender for goal of the tournament.
With the away goals rule still in effect, FAR Rabat needed two goals to overturn the tie. They had a golden chance early in the second half when Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams conceded a penalty. This time, Williams turned hero by saving Hrimat’s spot-kick.
Sundowns managed the rest of the game professionally to deny the hosts and hand coach Miguel Cardoso his first title after losing three finals in a row.
For Onyango, it was a full-circle moment. He and Themba Zwane are the only survivors from the Sundowns squad that won the club’s first Champions League in 2016. Both veterans claimed their second winners’ medal on Sunday.
The 2025 triumph takes Onyango’s trophy haul with Sundowns to 18 major titles, making him the most decorated player in South African football history. His collection with the Brazilians includes 9 Premier Soccer League titles, 3 Nedbank Cups, 2 Telkom Knockout Cups, 1 MTN8 Cup, 2 CAF Champions Leagues, 1 CAF Super Cup, and 1 African Football League.
