South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns etched their name in history by becoming the first-ever African Football League champions after a thrilling 3-2 aggregate victory over Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.

Sundowns, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, clawed their way back into the contest with a 2-0 triumph in the second leg played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

Despite a slow start against a determined Wydad side that disrupted their rhythm with intense pressing and fouls, Sundowns’ persistence paid off in the dying minutes of the first half when Peter Shalulile pounced on the rebound after Youssef El Motie parried Teboho Mokoena’s shot.

Five minutes after the break, Aubrey Modiba doubled Sundowns’ advantage, intercepting a wayward pass before racing through to score.

With Wydad needing two goals to win the final, Sundowns cleverly slowed the game down, employing time-wasting tactics that earned a few yellow cards for their players.

Despite a late scare when Ayoub El Amloud headed narrowly over with nine minutes left, Sundowns held firm to secure their historic victory.

The triumph marks a remarkable achievement for Sundowns, who have established themselves as continental powerhouses by becoming the first champions of the newly launched African Football League.