CAF Confederation Cup: RS Berkane v Simba SC, first leg of a final set to be hard fought
CAF Confederation Cup: it's final time. In the first leg, Morocco's RS Berkane host Tanzania's Simba SC
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Berkane's Stade Municipal will be a cauldron this Saturday. The 15,000-capacity ground is set to be a real furnace, ready to fire up the home side and drive them to victory. RS Berkane's aim is clear: win, so they can look ahead calmly to a 3rd star in the CAF Confederation Cup after their triumphs in 2020 and 2022, and so avoid a repeat of the defeat they have suffered twice in the competition: in 2019 and… in 2024. As well as being one of the best sides in the competition in recent years, the Moroccan club boast formidable home form: 42 wins, 6 draws and 0 defeats at home in the Confederation Cup.
Berkane are also chasing a double, having won the Moroccan league this season, a first in the club's 97-year history. However, the side's Tunisian coach, Mouine Chaâbani, was keen to temper any excess of enthusiasm. "In football, there is no winner before the game. Simba have a proud record in this competition and deserve to be finalists. They have earned the right to compete for the title ", he warned at the pre-match press conference. That said, it does not stop him showing a certain confidence. : " However, if we commit ourselves and prepare properly, nothing stops us bringing the trophy back to Morocco. "
Simba SC want to roar for the first time
Facing RS Berkane in their fortress, Simba SC will therefore need to be extremely solid to pull off a surprise. In their first CAF Confederation Cup final, the Tanzanian side go in as underdogs, a status accepted by captain Che Malone before the game. "We know the first match in Morocco will be difficult, but we are going there with a clear mission: to get a good result and bring the win home ". But, even so, there is a patriotic feeling that will no doubt lift the Tanzanians. " It's not just about reaching the final. It's about flying the Tanzanian flag high and keeping it there. We are playing for Tanzania, for Simba, and for every young dreamer who believes in this team ".
Worth noting that RS Berkane and Simba SC have already crossed swords, in the group stage of the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup. The Moroccans won 2-0 at home, before the Tanzanians took their revenge with a 1-0 win. Tonight, and again next week, the stakes will be completely different. A place on top of Africa is on offer to both sides.
🇹🇿 Simba SC 🆚 RS Berkane 🇲🇦
Check out the stats of the finalists through their 2024/25 #TotalEnergiesCAFCC campaign. Who will win the title? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/O1Ipb1cbfu
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) May 14, 2025