Santos: 'We Qualified Despite Early Doubts, First Team to Keep Clean Sheet Against Al Ahly at Home'

AS FAR coach Alexander Santos affirmed that his team's draw against Al Ahly on the final matchday of the CAF Champions League group stage was not merely a transient result, but a significant milestone in the team's season. Both clubs had already secured their qualification for the quarter-finals from Group B.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Alexander Santos stated, "I congratulate Al Ahly on their qualification, and our qualification is considered a historic moment for AS FAR."

He added, "The group was strong, as evidenced by the close points totals among the teams. Today's match was challenging with such a large crowd, and I want to thank the 500 AS FAR supporters who were present."

Santos further commented, "Some doubted AS FAR's qualification after the first two matchdays, but we ultimately succeeded in securing our spot. We are also the only team to visit Cairo and not concede a single goal."

He also noted, "I didn't focus on the result of the other match between Young Africans and JS Kabylie. I instructed the staff and players not to concern themselves with that game and to concentrate solely on our encounter with Al Ahly."

Regarding substitutions, he explained, "Due to Al Ahly's strategy, we opted to make some changes. This doesn't imply that the players who were substituted didn't perform as required; Al Ahly was a strong opponent throughout the match."