AS FAR Rabat reports injury boost ahead of final

AS FAR Rabat went into the week of the CAF Champions League final return leg with better squad news than they had for the opener. Soccer Laduma reported on May 20 that defender Fallou Mendy and center-back partner Marouane Louadni are available again ahead of Sunday’s second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns. Mamelodi Sundowns carry a 1-0 lead into the match after Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick decided the first leg in Pretoria on May 17. CAF has scheduled the return leg for Sunday, May 24, in Rabat at 20:00 local time. ### Which players are reported to be back for AS FAR? Soccer Laduma reported that Fallou Mendy, a 26-year-old defender, is back in contention after missing the first leg as Alexandre Santos chose not to risk him following a thigh strain. The same report said Marouane Louadni, described as Mendy’s defensive partner, also missed the opener but is set to return to the squad for the second leg. (soccerladuma.co.za) The report attributed the injury update to Moroccan outlet Radio Mars and Sport 7. According to Soccer Laduma, Santos gave his players a day off on Monday after the first leg because of what Radio Mars described as physical and mental stress following a difficult match in Pretoria, before the team resumed with a recovery session on Tuesday at the Maamora Complex. (soccerladuma.co.za) ### What happened in the first leg against Sundowns? Mamelodi Sundowns won the first leg 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday, May 17. News24 reported that Modiba scored with a first-half free-kick, and that Sundowns created further chances through Brayan Leon, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Teboho Mokoena without extending the margin. (soccerladuma.co.za) CAF’s competition page also lists Sundowns with a first-leg advantage over FAR Rabat. Soccer Laduma said Sundowns take that narrow lead to Morocco, with AS FAR still within one goal of leveling the tie. ### Why does the injury update matter for the return leg? AS FAR entered the first leg short-handed in defense. Soccer Laduma said Mendy was left out after just recovering from a thigh strain, while Louadni also missed the match, leaving Santos without two defenders now described as available again for the decider. (news24.com) (cafonline.com) CAF said AS FAR are trying to win their first continental title since 1985, while Sundowns are chasing a second Champions League crown after their 2016 triumph. The same CAF preview said the winners will receive $6 million. (soccerladuma.co.za) ### When and where is the second leg? CAF said the second leg will be played in Rabat on Sunday, May 24, with kickoff set for 20:00 local time. Soccer Laduma identified the venue as the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, while News24 referred to the return fixture in Rabat at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium. (cafonline.com) Sunday’s match will decide the 2025-26 CAF Champions League title. AS FAR start the night one goal behind Mamelodi Sundowns, with Santos expected to have Mendy and Louadni back in the squad if the reported recovery holds. (soccerladuma.co.za) (cafonline.com)