CAF Champions League: Two Portuguese coaches, one African crown – Cardoso and Santos ready for final battle

The 2025/26 CAF Champions League final will be decided in Rabat on Sunday, but the story surrounding the showdown between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and AS FAR extends far beyond the pitch.

Sundowns travel to Morocco holding a narrow 1-0 advantage after last week’s first leg victory in Pretoria, leaving AS FAR needing a comeback at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to keep their continental dream alive.

Portuguese Coaches in the Spotlight

The final has also highlighted the growing influence of Portuguese coaches in African football, with Miguel Cardoso and Alexandre Santos leading the two finalists.

Cardoso, who previously reached the CAF Champions League latter stages with Espérance Sportive de Tunis before guiding Sundowns to another final, believes the achievements of Portuguese coaches in Africa remain underappreciated in Europe.

“I think that the international football community in Europe, especially in Portugal, doesn’t really understand the level of what the CAF Champions League is,” Cardoso said.

“It’s a shame for my country that it doesn’t really understand the dimension of the achievements that some Portuguese coaches have been doing in Africa.”

Cardoso Praises African Football Experience

The Sundowns coach also spoke passionately about the impact African football has had on his career and personal growth.

“I really tell you that I feel very proud to be a Portuguese coach in African football,” he explained.

“The experiences that African football has been giving to me are making me grow a lot as a coach and as a human being.”

Cardoso additionally referenced legendary Portuguese coach Manuel José, who won multiple CAF Champions League titles with Al Ahly SC, arguing that his success never received the global recognition it deserved.

Santos Chasing Historic Triumph

On the opposite bench, Santos is aiming to guide AS FAR to their first CAF Champions League title since 1985.

The Portuguese tactician, appointed in February 2025, previously impressed during his time with Petro de Luanda and acknowledged that Portuguese coaches working in Africa often receive limited recognition back home.

“Sometimes, we don’t have very many approaches from the media in our country,” Santos admitted.

“In this case, one of us will be sad, but it’s football. It’s a pleasure to play against Cardoso.”

Tactical Battle Set for Rabat

Sunday’s final is expected to deliver a fascinating tactical contest between two coaches with contrasting approaches.

Cardoso’s Sundowns are built around possession, control and structured attacking football, while Santos has shaped AS FAR into a disciplined and resilient side capable of managing difficult moments.

With a passionate home crowd expected in Rabat, AS FAR are likely to attack aggressively from the opening whistle as they attempt to overturn the deficit.

However, Sundowns’ experience and ability to control the tempo could prove decisive if they manage to score an away goal.

More Than Just a Final

Beyond the battle for Africa’s biggest club trophy, the final also reflects the lasting Portuguese influence on African football.

From Carlos Queiroz and Manuel José to the modern work of Cardoso and Santos, Portuguese coaches have continued to leave a strong mark across the continent through tactical innovation, structure and player development.

Only one coach will lift the trophy on Sunday night, but both have already demonstrated that African football has become one of the sport’s most demanding and respected proving grounds.