CAF Champions League final: AS FAR handed huge defensive boost before Sundowns clash

AS FAR have received a major boost ahead of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns after Senegalese defender Fallou Mendy returned to full fitness.

The defender is now available for selection ahead of Sunday’s decisive encounter at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

Mendy’s return comes as a huge relief for the technical staff led by Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos, particularly after the defensive struggles the Moroccan side endured during the first leg in Pretoria.

Defensive Problems Exposed in Pretoria

Royal Army faced several difficult moments defensively in South Africa, with goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti forced into multiple important saves to prevent Sundowns from extending their advantage.

The South African giants repeatedly exploited spaces in the military side’s backline through quick attacking transitions and pace, creating numerous dangerous opportunities throughout the match.

Mendy had missed the first leg after suffering a thigh muscle injury during the Clasico clash against Raja Casablanca in the Moroccan Professional League. The club’s medical staff opted against risking the defender in Pretoria to ensure he would be ready for the return fixture in Rabat.

Additional Boost for Alexandre Santos

The positive news for Royal Army does not end with Mendy’s recovery. Goalkeeper Ayoub El Khayati has also returned after recovering fully from the injury he sustained against Wydad Athletic Club.

His return provides Santos with additional options and greater squad depth ahead of what is considered the club’s biggest match of the season.

Royal Army Target Historic Continental Glory

The Moroccan side continue their preparations at the Maamoura training centre with full focus as they attempt to overturn the first-leg result and secure another historic continental triumph.

Royal Army are chasing their second CAF Champions League title after first lifting the trophy in 1985. Overall, the club are aiming to secure a third continental crown in their history.

To achieve that goal, the Moroccan giants must defeat Mamelodi Sundowns by at least two goals in Sunday’s final showdown in Rabat.