CAF Champions League: Miguel Cardoso embraces hostile Rabat atmosphere ahead of final second leg decider

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side in Morocco, as they prepare for a decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR on Sunday.

The Brazilian-Portuguese tactician expects a fierce atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where Sundowns will defend their position in the tie in front of a passionate home crowd.

“We know the difficulties that we are going to face in the second match. Of course, we want to close the season on a high note,” Cardoso said.

Rather than viewing the hostile environment as a setback, Cardoso framed it as motivation for his players, urging them to embrace the occasion and draw strength from it.

“We need to understand that the environment we’ll go into is a privilege. There are not many people who get to enjoy playing in such a beautiful stadium. There’ll be an electrifying ambience.”

He added that Sundowns would also carry emotional support from home fans into the encounter, stressing the importance of unity and mental resilience in a high-pressure final.

“We’ll take our passionate supporters in our hearts, and they’ll be the strength that we need in difficult situations.”

Sundowns head into the game with a 1-0 win the first leg last Sunday.

The second leg is finely poised as both sides chase continental glory, with AS FAR aiming to overturn the deficit on home soil while Sundowns pursue another historic CAF Champions League triumph.

The second leg takes place on Sunday, 24 May 2026 in Rabat, kicking off at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT), with Africa’s most prestigious club trophy set to be decided under intense conditions.