Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces are banking on a fiery home crowd to inspire a comeback when they face Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the second leg of the African Champions League final on Sunday, trailing 1-0 from the first leg.
Head coach Alexandre Santos acknowledged that his team enter the decisive clash as underdogs, but remains optimistic that the energy from their supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium could tilt the tie in their favour.
The stadium, which can hold around 70,000 fans and hosted this year’s Africa Cup of Nations final, is expected to be packed, with Moroccan supporters known for creating one of the most intense atmospheres in world football.
Visiting teams have often struggled to cope with the deafening support, and Santos is hoping that the same environment becomes a decisive factor.
“The fans are extraordinary, and we are counting on them.
“We believe they can push us toward the result we all desire and help deliver a major continental title,” Santos said ahead of the match.
Despite his confidence, the coach also praised Sundowns, describing them as one of Africa’s strongest clubs over the past decade.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who won the Champions League in 2016, have been consistent contenders in recent years but have also suffered painful near misses.
Last season, they were narrowly defeated 3-2 on aggregate in the final against Egypt’s Pyramids.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso admitted his side had opportunities to extend their advantage in the first leg but failed to take them.
However, he dismissed any suggestion that the missed chances would haunt his team.
He stressed that his players must maintain full concentration and avoid overconfidence, adding that success would depend on discipline, intensity, and tactical execution in what he expects to be a demanding encounter.
With the tie finely balanced, Sunday’s showdown promises a tense battle between a motivated home side and a seasoned South African team determined to complete the job away from home.
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