Mamelodi Sundowns enter this first leg heavily reliant on their formidable home record, where they consistently dictate the tempo. AS FAR Rabat have maintained solid form domestically but find continental away trips far more difficult to navigate. The South African side's comfort in Pretoria creates an immediate structural advantage.

The hosts average a massive 67% possession, using a highly technical passing game to suffocate opponents and create high-quality chances. AS FAR are perfectly comfortable playing without the ball. The Moroccans will almost certainly deploy a low defensive block to absorb pressure and limit space in the final third.

Sundowns have been highly effective on their own turf, netting 11 times in five home fixtures while generating 18 big chances overall. AS FAR have struggled to pose a consistent attacking threat on the road, managing a mere two goals across five away matches. The visitors will have to rely on set-pieces and rare transitions to find the net.

Both sides have demonstrated excellent defensive discipline throughout the competition. AS FAR have conceded only five goals in ten matches, proving incredibly difficult to break down. Sundowns are similarly secure at home, allowing just three goals in five games by using their possession to restrict opposition attacks.

The logistical challenge of traveling from Morocco to South Africa places a massive physical burden on AS FAR. Sundowns are fully adapted to the local conditions and can push the tempo without the same fatigue concerns. This physical disparity strongly supports a dominant home performance before the return leg.