Alexandre Santos, head coach of AS FAR during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 2nd leg final match between AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on 24 May 2026 ©Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix
Monday May 25, 2026. 10:38
AS FAR head coach Alexandre Santos hailed the efforts of his team in Africa this season after they fell just short of winning a first-ever title in the CAF Champions League era.
The Royal Army, who won the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1985, were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Mamelodi Sundowns in the final following a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.
Mohamed Rabie Hrimat had fired the hosts in front from the penalty spot on 40 minutes, but Teboho Mokoena broke their hearts after equalising seven minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half.
It was only the Moroccan club’s fourth defeat on home soil in the competition since 2005 and Santos declared that their supporters should be proud of what AS FAR achieved this term.
“We are the second-best team this season in the Champions League. Of course it is not enough for us and our fans, but I think we did very well against a very strong team,” the Portuguese tactician said in his post-match press conference.
“We pushed them and created a lot of opportunities. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal, but we remained in character and tried to score. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.
“Unlucky for the club and congratulations to Sundowns. They showed they are a good team, but we also stood our ground in a strong competition like the Champions League.
‘I am proud of these players and our supporters. They can be proud of the work put in by this team in a very tough competition.”