The Brazilians, who are using a charter flight, are set to face AS FAR in the return leg of the CAF Champions League final in Rabat on Sunday, carrying a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Loftus Stadium.

However, the travel setback has resulted in Sundowns effectively losing a full day of preparation ahead of the decisive encounter.

Coach Miguel Cardoso had already stressed the importance of rest and recovery following the physically demanding first leg, with the club’s medical team also working around the clock to manage several key players ahead of the trip to North Africa.

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Upon arriving for their scheduled departure, Sundowns were informed that their travel plans would need to be revised because of issues surrounding the landing permit for their chartered aircraft.

The public broadcaster understands the matter is expected to be resolved within 24 hours, allowing the squad to depart on Wednesday instead.

Sundowns had opted for this arrangement to ease the burden of using domestic airlines, which would have required another connecting flight to get to Rabat.

The club also anticipates several of their Bafana Bafana players to be selected by Hugo Broos for the FIFA World Cup in the Americas – and the planned schedule is to help keep them fresh following a demanding season.

Despite the delay, the club remains hopeful that the disruption will not significantly affect preparations for Sunday’s high-stakes clash in Rabat.

Sundowns last won the Champions League in 2016 under then coach Pitso Mosimane and want to become the first South African team to add a second star with rivals Orlando Pirates having also won the title in 1995.

THABO MATEBE

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