AS FAR coach Santos wary of Sundowns threat

AS FAR coach Alexandre Santos has commented on the strength of Mamelodi Sundowns going into their meeting in Pretoria on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

The Moroccan champions will travel to Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the CAF Champions League final first leg (kick-off 14h00 GMT), with the reverse fixture scheduled for Rabat on 24 May.

Commenting on the away leg, Santos delved into his team’s physical and tactical preparations for the clash against the Betway Premiership holders, highlighting their strength.

𝗖𝗔𝗙 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 🎟️

Masandawana, it’s time to show up and show out as our CAF journey continues to the final 🔥

🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://t.co/yv2tIpDDQa and let’s paint Loftus yellow 💛#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/LqMg7Bp5QK

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 11, 2026

Santos fine-tunes tactically for Sundowns clash

“Preparations are taking place in a positive atmosphere and with great focus from everyone at the club,” the Portuguese told the CAF website.

“The players understand the importance of this historic match, and every day we are working on tactical, physical and mental preparation so that we can be in the best possible condition and represent AS FAR and Morocco in the best way possible,”

Ahead of the meeting with compatriot Miguel Cardoso, the AS FAR mentor stressed that he has no illusions about the threat the PSL multiple champions pose to his team.

Santos: ‘Sundowns are well organised’

“We know very well the strength of our opponents, Mamelodi Sundowns,” the coach added. They are a well-organised team with great continental experience. We are focusing on tactical discipline, reducing mistakes, and making the most of the opportunities that come our way. We are also working a lot on the mental side so that the players enter the match with confidence and strong character.”

AS FAR booked their place in the final after eliminating fellow Moroccans RS Berkane 2-1 on aggregate, while Cardoso’s wards saw off Esperance de Tunis.

Sundowns are smarting from a morale-sucking 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy in a Betway Premiership match on Tuesday.