FAR Rabat coach Alexandre Santos sets tone for CAF Champions League final against Sundowns

FAR Rabat head coach Alexandre Santos has expressed calm confidence and strong belief within his camp ahead of the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns, describing preparations as focused, disciplined, and built on a shared sense of purpose.

Speaking in a statement to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) official website, Santos revealed that the Moroccan side’s build-up has been intense but well-balanced, with attention divided between tactical sharpness, physical conditioning, and mental readiness as they approach one of the biggest fixtures in the club’s modern history in the CAF Champions League.

According to the Portuguese coach, the atmosphere in camp reflects maturity and concentration, with every player fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge awaiting them in Pretoria next Sunday. He stressed that Sundowns’ pedigree in African football makes them a formidable opponent, warning that the South African champions combine structure, experience, and efficiency in key moments.

“We know very well the strength of our opponent; they are a well-organized team with considerable experience in African competitions,” Santos noted. “Therefore, we are focusing on tactical discipline, minimizing mistakes, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.”

AS FAR’s technical staff are reportedly placing significant emphasis on game management and decision-making in high-pressure phases, aware that small margins often determine outcomes at this level. Santos also highlighted the importance of experienced players within his squad, suggesting their continental exposure could prove decisive in navigating the intensity of a final.

Beyond tactics, the coach placed strong emphasis on unity and mentality, praising the collective hunger within the squad. He described the final as both a responsibility and an honor for the historic Moroccan club, which is chasing a second continental crown after more than four decades.

“It carries a great responsibility and a great honor at the same time,” Santos said. “AS FAR is a prestigious club, and its fans deserve to celebrate a new continental title. We will fight to bring the trophy back to its rightful place.”

The coach acknowledged the inevitability of psychological pressure in a fixture of such magnitude but framed it as a positive force rather than a burden, insisting that his players are being guided to stay composed, confident, and respectful of the opposition without fear.

As anticipation builds for the final, Santos closed with a message to supporters, underlining their importance in the team’s journey.

“You are our true source of strength,” he said. “We promise to fight on the pitch with all our spirit and responsibility to make you happy and honor the AS FAR jersey.”

With both sides preparing for a high-stakes tactical battle, all eyes now turn to Pretoria, where history, pressure, and ambition will collide in the quest for African glory.