Santos hails Sundowns as Africa’s best but backs AS FAR for Champions League fightback

AS FAR head coach Alexandre Santos has described Mamelodi Sundowns as the best club side in Africa over the past decade, while insisting his Moroccan outfit are ready to challenge the South Africans in Sunday’s CAF Champions League final second leg in Rabat.

AS FAR trail 1-0 from the first leg in Pretoria and go into the decisive fixture as underdogs, according to Santos, who nevertheless believes his players have earned their place on the continent’s biggest stage.

“It is the biggest game on the continent this year and it’s a pleasure for me and my players to be involved,” Santos said at Saturday’s pre-match press conference.

“It is never easy to reach the final and this is a historic achievement that has taken sacrifice and determination.”

AS FAR, formerly known for their historic triumph in the old African Champions Cup 41 years ago, are chasing their first continental crown since then and their first final appearance in the modern era.

“Our opponent is the best club in Africa over the last decade, but we have also proven ourselves to be competitive,” Santos said.

“Sundowns are more experienced in these kinds of games and when you are in these kinds of situations, you can win many times, but you can lose many times.

“There are a lot of coaches and a lot of teams who have played in a lot of finals, but with a lot of losses. But if you don’t reach the finals, you cannot win anything.”

Despite acknowledging Sundowns’ pedigree, the Portuguese coach said his side are motivated to make history.

“In our case, this is our first final of this century, and we want it to be a winning moment. We have the right ambition and determination to play a great match and to show our collective quality,” he said.

Santos added that AS FAR’s journey to the final—eliminating Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Pyramids as well as Moroccan champions Renaissance Berkane—proved their credentials.

He also highlighted Sundowns’ tactical strength, noting their control of possession and compact defensive structure.

“They have a different style of playing where they love to control the game, where they love to make a better defensive block than the opponents. They don’t give as much space as other teams and their inside game is unbelievable. It’s very different to most of the teams in Africa,” he said.

Santos expressed hope that AS FAR’s recent progress signals the start of a sustained return to continental prominence.