CAF Champions League final: Alexandre Santos banking on AS FAR mentality for victory against Sundowns 

Alexandre Santos believes mentality, discipline and unity could be the decisive factors when AS FAR face Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final on Sunday.

The Moroccan giants travel to Pretoria knowing they face one of the continent’s strongest sides, but Santos insists his team has arrived with belief and confidence ahead of the massive encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

While Sundowns are widely viewed as favourites because of their recent continental consistency and dominant home form, the Portuguese tactician stressed that the final will be decided across two matches rather than one night in South Africa.

“The final is not just one match, but two,” Santos told reporters ahead of the showdown.

“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 chasing historic continental success

AS FAR arrive in the final carrying the hopes of Moroccan football after an impressive CAF Champions League campaign.

The Rabat-based club secured their place in the final after eliminating fellow Moroccan side RS Berkane in the semi-finals, reaching their first CAF Champions League final in the modern era.

Santos, who only took charge of the club earlier this year, has quickly transformed the team into one of the tournament’s most organised and disciplined sides.

Now, the Portuguese coach stands on the verge of guiding AS FAR to their first African title since 1985, when the club became the first Moroccan team to win the continent’s premier club competition.

Santos highlights importance of mentality and unity

Despite recognising the difficult challenge awaiting his side in Pretoria, Santos believes his players possess the mentality needed to compete against the South African champions.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC remain unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League across the last two seasons and are appearing in their second consecutive final after narrowly missing out on the title last year.

However, Santos is convinced that collective spirit and discipline can help neutralise Sundowns’ attacking quality and experience.

“The most important thing is to show team spirit and the mental strength required for this type of major event,” he explained.

“Our group is strong, united and fully prepared for this challenge.”

Portuguese coach targeting place in African football history

Santos also reflected on the historical significance of AS FAR and the responsibility of leading one of Africa’s most respected clubs.

“No coach can speak about AS FAR without recalling the historical importance of this prestigious club,” Santos said.

“It was the first Moroccan club to win the African title in 1985.”

The final also carries personal importance for the Portuguese coach, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of legendary manager Manuel José, one of the most successful foreign coaches in African football history following his achievements with Al Ahly SC.

“I hope to become the second Portuguese coach to win this continental trophy,” Santos added.