‘One Of Africa’s Best’: FAR Boss Drops Truth Bomb On Sundowns Ahead Of Sold-Out Final
AS FAR coach Alexandre Santos has praised Mamelodi Sundowns as one of Africa’s strongest clubs ahead of their CAF Champions League final first-leg clash at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, with both sides chasing continental glory.
The highly anticipated encounter will see two of Africa’s top clubs renew their rivalry after meeting in last season’s group stage of the same competition, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws home and away. Having already faced each other recently, both teams head into the final fully aware of their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
AS FAR secured their place in the final after defeating fellow Moroccan giants RS Berkane in the semifinals, while Sundowns overcame Tunisian powerhouse Espérance de Tunis to book their place in the decisive stage of the tournament.
The final also carries major historical significance for both clubs. The Moroccan side is aiming to win its second CAF Champions League title, having first lifted the trophy in 1985. Sundowns, meanwhile, are chasing their second continental crown after winning their maiden title in 2016.
Speaking ahead of the first leg in Pretoria, Santos admitted his side faces a massive challenge against Masandawana, whom he described as one of the continent’s dominant teams over the past decade.
“It will be a very tough game. Mamelodi Sundowns are clearly one of the best teams in Africa over the last decade because they have achieved many titles in South Africa and won one of the biggest competitions on the continent, the African Football League (AFL),” he said.
“They have very good players, a strong structure, and a quality club overall. They have shown their quality throughout the competition, from the preliminary rounds to the group stages.
“It was unbelievable to see the way they achieved results and controlled their opponents. It is very clear they are one of the best teams in Africa, and we have to be at our absolute best. We need to be a very strong team collectively, as we have been in recent matches.”
The winners walk away with a record $6 million cash prize following the recent 50% increase confirmed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Meanwhile, Santos, just like Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, is aiming to become only the second Portuguese manager in history to win the competition, following legendary Al Ahly coach Manuel José, meaning this final is a direct tactical war between two Portuguese masterminds.
Despite acknowledging Sundowns’ quality, the Portuguese mentor believes his side has what it takes to compete strongly across the two-legged final.
“We are very confident because we have had to fight throughout this competition. We started with a loss and a draw, and many people thought we had no chance of making a strong Champions League campaign. But we are here because this group is mentally strong,” Santos added.
“The players have built a very united and determined group, and we will go onto the pitch to show that. We have to fight, do our best to limit Sundowns’ strengths, and impose our own game. Then we will see what happens when we return to Rabat.
“At the end of the second leg, we want to lift the trophy and celebrate with our supporters. For now, this is only the first half of the final. We have to play with intensity, discipline, and togetherness. I have great confidence in my players and the entire team.”
Following Sunday’s clash in Pretoria, the two sides will meet again in Rabat next weekend for the decisive second leg, which will determine the new African champions.
The winner of this season’s CAF Champions League will also secure qualification for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, joining Pyramids FC, who won the competition last season, as well as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup later this year.
