ASFAR head coach Alexandre Santos has spoken of his pride and confidence ahead of the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns, with the Portuguese tactician targeting a piece of African football history.
Santos, who guided the Moroccan side to the continental showpiece, described reaching the final as a milestone moment in his coaching career – one made more meaningful by the prospect of a Portuguese coaching duel on the grandest African stage.
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“I’m happy to reach the final with ASFAR, it’s my first with my staff,” Santos said. “I was here twice to face Sundowns [with Petro] but this one is special.”
The 55-year-old will go head-to-head with fellow Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, who leads Sundowns, in a final that carries significant historical weight for coaches from their nation.
Santos was quick to acknowledge the legacy he hopes to add to, referencing legendary compatriot Manuel José – the iconic figure who famously lifted the trophy with Zamalek.
“There will be a Portuguese coach being the champions, you know Manuel José the legend won before,” Santos said. “On 24 May there will be a second, either me or Miguel.”
Respect for Sundowns, But No Fear
Santos was generous in his assessment of Mamelodi Sundowns, acknowledging the South African giants as one of the continent’s elite clubs — but made clear that ASFAR will not be going to Pretoria simply to contain them.
“Sundowns is one of the best African teams in the past decades, won many titles in South Africa, they won the African Football League, have very good players, structure, very good club, good quality, and they show that throughout the season,” he said.
“They control opponents, it’s clear they are one of the best teams in Africa, we need to be perfect and strong collectively. But we’re confident.”
The ASFAR coach outlined his side’s approach to both legs of the tie, making no secret of their ambitions ahead of hosting the return fixture in Rabat.
“We will go to the pitch to show how good we are, we will fight and do our best, we need to counter the strengths of Sundowns, and when they arrive in Rabat, we want to pick up the cup and celebrate with our supporters,” Santos said. “This is just going to be the first half, I’m confident we can do that.”
A Final Decades in the Making
For ASFAR – the Moroccan army club founded in Rabat – reaching the CAF Champions League final represents the pinnacle of their continental journey.
Santos, who previously worked in Angola with Petro de Luanda where he twice encountered Sundowns in African competition, now stands on the brink of the greatest achievement of his coaching career.
The first leg takes place on May 17, with the return match in Rabat to follow.
Should Santos lift the trophy, he will become only the second Portuguese coach to win the CAF Champions League, joining Manuel José’s illustrious legacy.
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