WeeklySA_AdminCAF FINAL: Miguel Cardoso and Alexandre Santos bring contrasting styles and shared roots to Africa’s biggest club stage as Sundowns and FAR Rabat collide in a high-stakes Champions League final…
By WSAM Sports Correspondent
Mamelodi Sundowns’ clash with FAR Rabat in the first leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final in Pretoria next week will not only be decided on the pitch—it will also unfold as a tactical duel between two Portuguese minds shaping African club football.
In a rare twist on the continent’s biggest stage, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso and FAR Rabat’s Alexandre Santos go head-to-head, reflecting the growing footprint of Portuguese coaching philosophy across Africa.
For Cardoso, this is familiar territory. The 52-year-old is set to feature in a third consecutive Champions League final, having previously fallen short with Espérance and Sundowns. Since taking charge of the Pretoria giants in December 2024, he has refined an already dominant side into a high-intensity, possession-driven unit built on a structured 4-3-3 system.
Sundowns’ trademark attacking style—often dubbed “shoe-shine and piano”—remains intact, but now carries added tactical discipline. Their composed 2-0 aggregate victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the semi-finals showcased both defensive control and clinical finishing, with Colombian forward Brayan León proving decisive.
Standing opposite him is Santos, whose rise has been quieter but no less impressive. Appointed by FAR Rabat in February 2025, the 49-year-old has instilled organisation and belief in a team now contesting its first Champions League final since 1985.
Santos is known for his pragmatic flexibility, often alternating between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 systems. FAR’s run to the final has been defined by resilience, edging past RS Berkane in an all-Moroccan semi-final with a disciplined 2-1 aggregate triumph.
His side’s defensive structure, game management and ability to absorb pressure could prove crucial against a technically superior Sundowns outfit.
The encounter also underscores a broader trend. Portuguese coaches have steadily reshaped African football, bringing tactical structure, professionalism and modern training methods. From historic successes to a new generation of tacticians, their influence continues to grow across the continent.
What makes this final especially compelling is the contrast in styles. Sundowns are expected to dominate possession, dictate tempo and stretch play through wide areas, while FAR Rabat are likely to stay compact, absorb pressure and strike on the counter or from set-pieces.
The first leg in Pretoria could be pivotal. Sundowns will look to build a decisive home advantage, while FAR aim to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg in Rabat.
On paper, Cardoso’s experience in continental finals gives him a slight edge. But Santos has already demonstrated his ability to navigate high-pressure knockout ties.
In the end, this “battle of the Portuguese coaches” may hinge less on philosophy and more on execution. Two managers shaped by similar roots—but defined by contrasting approaches—now stand one step away from continental glory. – Cafonline
