AS FAR coach Alexandre Santos believes mental strength, discipline and collective belief could be the keys to unsettling Mamelodi Sundowns when the Moroccan giants face the South Africans in Sunday’s first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in Pretoria.
While Sundowns enter the showdown as favourites after years of continental consistency, Santos insists the final will not be decided in South Africa alone, warning that the battle for Africa’s biggest club prize will ultimately be settled over two fiercely contested matches.
The Portuguese tactician, who took charge of AS FAR earlier this year, has transformed the Rabat-based side into one of the competition’s most disciplined and resilient teams. Now he stands one step away from guiding the club to its first African crown since 1985.
“The final is not just one match, but two,” Santos told reporters in Pretoria ahead of the encounter.
“The Royal Army always plays to win. We know we are facing one of the most important clubs on the continent over the last decade, but we came here believing in ourselves and in our ability.”
AS FAR arrive in South Africa carrying the hopes of Moroccan football after an impressive campaign that saw them eliminate fellow Moroccan side RS Berkane in the semi-finals to reach their first CAF Champions League final in the modern era.
Santos admitted the scale of the challenge awaiting his side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, where Sundowns have established one of the strongest home records in African football.
The South African champions are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League over the last two seasons and are appearing in their second consecutive final after narrowly missing out on the title last year.
Yet Santos believes his team’s unity and mentality can help neutralise Sundowns’ experience and attacking power.
“The most important thing is to show team spirit and the mental strength required for this type of major event,” he said. “Our group is strong, united and fully prepared for this challenge.”
The former Petro de Luanda coach also highlighted the significance of AS FAR’s history, reminding observers that the club remains one of the continent’s historic heavyweights despite their long absence from the final.
