CAF Champions League: The Portuguese school takes center stage!

Special Reports 25 April 2026 at 04:03

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

17.05.26 FT CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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FAR Rabat

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It’s now official: a Portuguese coach is guaranteed to lift the CAF Champions League 2025-2026 trophy.

The grand finale of Africa’s premier club competition will feature an all-Lusitanian showdown between Miguel Cardoso, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, and Alexandre Santos, the driving force behind AS FAR.

The Brazilians booked their spot in the final at the expense of Espérance de Tunis (1-0 in the first leg and the same scoreline in the return leg).

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On the other side, the Military side qualified by overcoming RS Berkane (3-2 on aggregate across both legs).

Cardoso aims to break the curse

The Mamelodi Sundowns manager will be looking to finally lift the jinx that has haunted him in the CAF Champions League during this 2025-2026 edition.

The former FC Nantes boss lost the 2023-2024 final with Espérance de Tunis against Egypt’s Al Ahly (0-0 in the first leg, 0-1 in the return leg).

Last season, Miguel Cardoso suffered the same heartbreak with the South African giants facing Egypt’s Pyramids FC (1-1 in the first leg, 1-2 in the return).

Santos targets a first continental crown

For his part, Alexandre Santos will be aiming to clinch his maiden CAF Champions League title.

His best run to date remains a semi-final appearance with Angolan football powerhouse Petro Luanda during the 2021-2022 campaign.

After a disappointing spell with Club Sportif Sfaxien, Alexandre Santos managed to revive his career at AS FAR.

At 49, the Lisbon native has already bagged 7 trophies during his time in Angola.

Manuel José, a legend of African football

Now retired, Manuel José—nicknamed "the fox"—won it all with Al Ahly in the 2000s.

He notably lifted the CAF Champions League trophy four times, precisely in 2001, 2005, 2006, and 2008.

According to many observers, he remains the mastermind behind Cairo’s club dominance across various CAF competitions over the past 25 years.

Related teams and leagues

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

FAR Rabat

CAF Champions League