CAFCL: AS FAR coach reveals tactics for Sundowns game

AS FAR coach Alexandre Santos believes his side have what it takes to beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the two-legged first leg CAF Champions League final affair in Pretoria on Sunday.

Sundowns will enter the final round as favourites but according to Santos, the final will not be decided in South Africa alone, warning that the battle for Africa’s biggest club prize will ultimately be settled over two fiercely contested matches.

 

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The Portuguese tactician further admitted they will be facing a difficult Sundowns side but remained confidence of his team getting over the line.

‘Victory is decided over two matches’

“The final is not just one match, but two,” Santos told reporters in Pretoria ahead of the encounter as quoted by CAFOnline.

“The Royal Army always plays to win. We know we are facing one of the most important clubs on the continent over the last decade, but we came here believing in ourselves and in our ability.”

The South African champions are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League over the last two seasons and are appearing in their second consecutive final after narrowly missing out on the title last year.

“The most important thing is to show team spirit and the mental strength required for this type of major event,” he said. “Our group is strong, united and fully prepared for this challenge.”

‘We need to control our focus’

He added: “No coach can speak about AS FAR without recalling the historical importance of this prestigious club. It was the first Moroccan club to win the African title in 1985.”

Santos concluded: “Victory is decided over two matches. We need to control our focus, our discipline and our collective strength because small details will make the difference — small details here, and others in Rabat.”

AS FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti echoed his coach’s confidence, by saying: “We are well prepared for this final and we came here to achieve a positive result.

“We want to return to Rabat with a good result and, God willing, win the title there.”