Alexandre Santos proud of AS FAR’s fighting spirit despite CAF Champions League final defeat

Alexandre Santos expressed pride in his AS FAR side despite their heartbreaking 2-1 aggregate defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in Rabat on Sunday evening.

AS FAR Fall Short in Quest for Continental Glory

The Moroccan giants came painfully close to winning a second African title more than four decades after their historic first triumph, but were ultimately denied by a determined Sundowns side that lifted the trophy for the second time in ten years.

Despite the disappointment, AS FAR pushed the South African champions until the final whistle and delivered a spirited performance across both legs of the final.

Santos Praises Team’s Resilience

Reflecting on the campaign, Santos acknowledged the frustration of missing out on the title but praised his players for their commitment, discipline, and fighting spirit throughout the competition.

“We are the second-best team this season in the Champions League. Of course, it is not enough for us and our fans, but I think we did very well against a very strong team,” Santos said as quoted on CAFOnline.

“We pushed them and created a lot of opportunities. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal, but we remained in character and tried to score. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.”

Congratulations to Sundowns

The Portuguese coach also congratulated Mamelodi Sundowns on their triumph while insisting his side had proven their quality during the tournament.

“Unlucky for the club and congratulations to Sundowns. They showed they are a good team, but we also stood our ground in a strong competition like the Champions League,” he added.

Pride in Players and Supporters

Santos reserved special praise for both his squad and the supporters who stood firmly behind the team throughout the demanding continental campaign.

“I am proud of these players and our supporters. They can be proud of the work put in by this team in a very tough competition.”

Encouraging Signs for the Future

Although the defeat ended AS FAR’s hopes of continental glory, the club’s impressive journey to the final represented one of their strongest CAF Champions League campaigns in recent years.

Their performances throughout the competition have reignited belief that the Moroccan side can once again challenge for the top prize in African club football in the near future.