Nuno Santos calls for full focus on CAF final after title blow

The midfielder was speaking ahead of Sundowns’ first leg clash against AS FAR in the CAF Champions League final just days after their Betway Premiership title hopes suffered a major setback. 

The Brazilians went down 3-2 to TS Galaxy on Tuesday night, a result that handed rivals Orlando Pirates the advantage in the title race.

Santos has urged his teammates to shift their focus to the final as the squad cannot afford to carry the emotional baggage of their domestic frustrations into a match of such magnitude.

"Every game is difficult, not only this one but all the previous matches in the Champions League were difficult. We know the responsibility that we have and I think our focus has now moved to the first leg of the Champions League Final so we cannot do anything to change what happened before."

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Asked about the likelihood of being dethroned by Pirates this season, Santos was quick to stress that Sundowns are still at the summit.

"We are top of the log right now - that's what we know, but as I said we cannot change anything from before, the only thing we can do is focus on the final. The players, the coach, and the club want to win this trophy so that we can give that joy to our supporters."

With Sundowns having conceded seven goals in two matches, Santos admits they quickly have to close the leaks against AS FAR.

The Portuguese international expects their Moroccan counterparts to be a tricky opponent like many they faced en route to the final.

"They are different and we expect a very physical game. We experienced many different environments and teams in the competition this year, we went to Mali, to Nigeria, to Congo, to Tunis and Algiers, and every one of those teams and environments were different. We are Mamelodi Sundowns and we have to be ready for anything that comes our way in the final."