Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso expressed confidence that his side would eventually find the crucial away goal that helped decide the 2025-26 CAF Champions League final.

Speaking after the match, Cardoso explained that despite conceding a penalty in the first half, he always believed his team had the attacking quality to respond.

AS FAR had taken the lead through a penalty converted by Mohamed Hrimat in front of a passionate 60,000-strong home crowd at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, bringing the Moroccan side back into contention on aggregate.

However, Sundowns struck back just before half-time when midfielder Teboho Mokoena produced a powerful strike that levelled the score and shifted momentum in the tie.

With the away goals rule still in effect in African club competitions, AS FAR were then forced into a more difficult position, needing to score twice in the second half to progress.

Cardoso noted that the equaliser not only changed the tactical picture but also drained energy from the home supporters, easing pressure on his players.The second half remained tense, with AS FAR pushing forward in search of another goal.

A major turning point came when Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved a penalty in the 76th minute, denying Hrimat a second time and effectively sealing the contest.

Cardoso admitted that a conversion at that stage would have led to a difficult final 15 minutes, but his side managed the situation to secure victory.

Despite acknowledging moments where his team struggled to control emotions and game management, Cardoso insisted that Sundowns deserved the win overall, crediting both resilience and timely fortune.

The victory marked a significant achievement for the club, with goalkeeper Williams highlighting that the long pursuit of continental success had finally been rewarded with a historic triumph.