Mamelodi Sundowns have officially requested that CAF postpone the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR, originally scheduled for Friday, May 15th, in Pretoria.
The South African club wants the opening match moved by two days. According to reports, Sundowns have requested that the first leg be played on Sunday, May 17th at 15:00 local time at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Their main concern is attendance. Club officials reportedly do not want to host such an important match on a Friday evening, fearing many fans would struggle to attend because of work schedules and weekday travel.
A weekend afternoon match is seen as a better option to attract a larger crowd and create a stronger home atmosphere for the final.
There is also a logistical complication involving the stadium itself.
Loftus Versfeld is hosting a rugby match featuring the Blue Bulls on Saturday, which limits the possibility of simply moving the football match back by one day.
That scheduling conflict has reportedly pushed Sundowns toward requesting Sunday instead.
AS FAR are reportedly also having reservations about a 15:00 kickoff in Pretoria, mainly because of weather conditions.
An early-afternoon start could mean playing in warmer temperatures, something the Moroccan team may feel gives the hosts a physical advantage, especially given the hosts’ familiarity with the conditions.
For a final of this level, every small detail matters, and kickoff time can become an important part of the discussion.
Even though the first leg is currently under review, the second leg is still scheduled for May 24 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
CAF is now studying the request before confirming the final calendar.
The governing body must take into account a few things, such as sporting fairness, broadcasting obligations, stadium availability, travel planning, and security arrangements before making a final decision.
More than just lifting this one trophy, there’s more at stake for both teams. The winner of this 2026 edition punched their ticket to three major tournaments. The 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2026 CAF Super Cup.
Both clubs have tasted this success before, though it’s been a while. AS FAR won their title back in 1985, and Mamelodi Sundowns took the crown in 2016.