How Sundowns Could Line Up - CAF Champions League Final Second Leg Predicted XI

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 18 May 2026

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John Eastwood 18 May 2026

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Grant Kekana is available after suspension and may replace Khulumani Ndamane in central defence (Getty Images).

Mamelodi Sundowns face AS FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League final second leg on Sunday. Sundowns won 1-0 in the first leg. Below is how Sundowns could line as they look to secure the crown.

Sundowns have endured a decade-long wait since lifting this trophy in 2016. Can coach Miguel Cardoso win the CAF Champions League, or will it be a third-straight loss in the final for the Portuguese coach?

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams will keep his place. He did well in the first leg and will be crucial in the second leg in Morocco.

His experience at the international level with Bafana Bafana will come in handy for this match.

DEFENCE

Khuliso Mudau will play at right back. He barely broke a sweat in the first leg and is one of the continent's top defenders.

At centre back, Grant Kekana is available again after suspension. This gives the coach a headache. Khulumani Ndamane is still inexperienced at this level and could drop down to the bench.

Keanu Cupido played through a shoulder injury in the first leg. He is again tipped to start this match with the aid of painkillers.

At left back, Aubrey Modiba pulled up with a serious-looking hamstring injury in the first leg. Divine Lunga is expected to take his place for this match.

MIDFIELD

Teboho Mokoena is certain to start after a fine showing in the first leg. Jayden Adams is tipped to keep his place.

Marcelo Allende is a real option to come into the XI as a third central midfielder. That selection could force Nuno Santos to move into a wider role.

ATTACK

Tashreeq Matthews did not shine in the first leg, but he is likely to keep his place in the XI. Miguel Cardoso may consider him down the right flank, with Santos as a narrow left winger.

In the number nine role, Brayan Leon has scored five goals in eight CAF Champions League matches. He will start, as Iqraam Rayners is out of favour.

Right winger Thapelo Morena is a major injury doubt. Kutlwano Letlhaku is likely to be benched here.

Last match: Williams; Mudua, Cupido, Ndamane, Modiba; Adams, Mokoena; Letlhaku, Santos, Matthews, Leon.

Predicted XI: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga; Adams, Mokoena, Allende; Matthews, Leon, Santos.