We’ll return stronger in Rabat – AS FAR coach Alexander Santos after Champions League final first-leg defeat

Head coach of FAR Rabat Alexandre Santos has called on his players to quickly move on from their narrow first-leg defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns and focus fully on the decisive return clash in Morocco.

The Moroccan giants suffered a slim 1-0 defeat against the South African side in Pretoria on Sunday in the first leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final.

Despite the setback, Santos remains optimistic about his side’s chances of overturning the deficit when they host the second leg on May 24 in front of their passionate supporters.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, the Portuguese tactician stressed the importance of staying calm and mentally focused ahead of the crucial encounter in Rabat. According to him, the backing of the AS FAR faithful could play a decisive role in helping the club secure the continental crown.

Santos acknowledged the difficulty of the match in Pretoria, admitting that tactical mistakes and lapses in concentration allowed Sundowns to capitalize and gain the advantage. However, he also pointed out that his team created dangerous moments, particularly during an impressive spell in the first half.

“The match was not easy because there were some tactical lapses,” Santos explained. “But we had good moments, especially between the 20th and 40th minutes when we managed to apply strong attacking pressure and came close to scoring.”

The AS FAR coach admitted that his side left spaces that were effectively exploited by the South African champions, ultimately proving costly over the course of the game.

“We committed several mistakes and left spaces that the opponent used very well,” he added. “At this level, small details can make a huge difference.”

Despite the defeat, Santos insisted that his team will not abandon its footballing philosophy in the return fixture. The coach emphasized that AS FAR’s approach is built around taking initiative and playing proactive football, while also underlining the need for balance in high-profile matches.

“Our playing philosophy is clear and based on initiative,” he said. “But the key to success in big matches like this lies in maintaining balance throughout the game.”

The experienced coach also expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to bounce back strongly in the second leg, highlighting the importance of physical preparation and mental strength ahead of what promises to be an intense battle in Rabat.

Santos believes the tie is still very much open and insists his players are capable of producing a much stronger display on home soil.

“We are confident in our ability to recover and return stronger in Rabat,” he stated. “The players must be physically and mentally ready because the second leg will require great determination and concentration.”

The Portuguese manager concluded by emphasizing that the return encounter presents AS FAR with an opportunity to showcase their true character and competitive spirit in front of their home supporters.

“The challenge now is to show the true strength and spirit of AS FAR on our home ground,” Santos concluded. “Our fans will have a very important role to play, and their support can make the difference.”

With only one goal separating the two sides, anticipation is already building ahead of the decisive showdown in Rabat, where AS FAR will aim to overturn the deficit and lift one of African football’s most prestigious trophies.