The numbers clash ignites the final of the "African Champions" between the Royal Army and Sundowns.

A report issued by the Confederation of African Football highlighted the key numbers and statistics leading up to the anticipated final of the African Champions League, between the Royal Army and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The report mentioned that both teams reached the final match despite finishing second in their respective group stages, a rare occurrence in the competition, as the Royal Army ended their group behind Al Ahly, while Sundowns finished behind Sudan's Al Hilal, with the same tally of two wins, three draws, and one loss.

The report emphasized the contrast in the playing styles of the two teams; the Royal Army scored only three goals in the group stage, while possessing one of the strongest defensive lines, having conceded only two goals, which is the best record shared with Pyramids and Stade Malien.

In contrast, Sundowns scored nine goals in the group stage, making them the second strongest attacking line, but they conceded six goals, which is the highest number among the clubs that reached the quarter-finals.

The same source pointed out that this current edition witnessed another anomaly, as all the teams that topped their groups were absent from the semi-finals, with the Royal Army eliminating the defending champion Pyramids, while Al Ahly was knocked out by Tunisian Esperance, and Al Hilal was eliminated by RS Berkane.

Both teams also maintained an unbeaten record at home; the Royal Army played seven matches at home, winning five and drawing two, while Sundowns achieved five victories and one draw in six matches played at their ground.

The report noted the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Ahmed Taknaouti, who is among the most prolific shot-stoppers in the competition with 25 saves, tied with Al Ahly's goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir, in addition to having the best save percentage of 83%.