Santos Acknowledges Sundowns' Strength but Confident in FAR Rabat's Comeback

FAR Rabat Remains Optimistic Despite First Leg Setback

In a gripping encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, FAR Rabat's head coach Alexandre Santos expressed both frustration and optimism following his team's narrow 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final. Despite the disappointment of leaving Pretoria without a win, both Santos and defender Yunis Abdelhamid affirmed their belief that the tie remains wide open as they prepare for the return leg in Morocco.

The match was decided by a stunning free-kick from Sundowns' Aubrey Modiba in the 37th minute, which found the back of the net despite the best efforts of the FAR goalkeeper. Santos noted the exceptional talent of Modiba, indicating that the goal was more a testament to individual brilliance than a failure of his team's defensive strategy. "When we conceded one goal, it was not our fault but a reflection of the great ability of the player of Sundowns," he remarked, acknowledging the South African side's formidable attacking prowess.

Throughout the game, Santos recognized the quality of Sundowns, who controlled possession and frequently threatened with quick counter-attacks and set-pieces. However, he believed his team executed their tactical plan effectively in many aspects and felt that they could have capitalized more on their counter-attacks. "We had the ball a lot of times, and we made our counter-attacks and transitions very well. Perhaps if we had done better, the second half would have been easier," he explained.

Despite the setback, Santos remained committed to his team's chances in the upcoming match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidence. "We kept the result to 1-0, and the most important thing is that we return home with the intent to secure a better result and fight until the end for the title," he stated.

Veteran Defender Echoes Coach's Sentiments

Yunis Abdelhamid, a seasoned defender for FAR Rabat, supported Santos's views, expressing disappointment over the outcome but also reinforcing the belief in a comeback. "This was not the result we were expecting; we were hoping for better," he admitted. The experienced player pointed to missed opportunities in the first half that could have changed the course of the match, highlighting that the team had chances to score from simple crosses that ultimately did not go their way.

Abdelhamid also reflected on the nature of the final, emphasizing that while Sundowns had territorial control, they were not overwhelmingly dangerous in open play. "After that, the match was difficult; it’s a final, and it’s normal for it to be so. Despite their possession, they weren't very dangerous except for set pieces, and unfortunately, they scored from one of those," he concluded, signaling the need for FAR Rabat to tighten their game ahead of the crucial second leg.

As reported by cafonline.com.