RS Berkane were crowned CAF Confederation Cup champions for the third time after holding Simba SC to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final.
RS Berkane were crowned CAF Confederation Cup champions for the third time after holding Simba SC to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final at Amaan Stadium on Sunday, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory.
The Moroccan side came into the match with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, thanks to goals by Oussama Lamlioui and Mamadou Camara. Aware of the challenge ahead, Simba SC were determined to overturn the deficit in front of their home fans in Zanzibar.
The Tanzanian giants got off to a strong start and were rewarded in the 19th minute when Joshua Mutale opened the scoring, reigniting hopes of a comeback. Buoyed by the early goal, Simba pushed forward with intensity, putting the Moroccan defence under pressure for the remainder of the first half.
Despite Simba’s attacking intent, RS Berkane maintained their composure, focusing on defensive discipline to protect their advantage. The visitors absorbed the pressure well, going into the break trailing 1-0 on the night but still leading comfortably on aggregate.
The second half saw more urgency from Simba, who needed another goal to level the tie. However, their frustrations began to mount as Berkane remained resolute at the back. The hosts’ task became even harder when Yusuph Kagoma was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men.
Simba thought they had found the crucial second goal through a Steven Mukwala header, but VAR intervened and ruled the effort out for offside, adding to the home side’s disappointment.
In the dying moments of the match, a lapse in Simba’s defence allowed Soumaila Sidibe to slot home an equaliser for Berkane, extinguishing any remaining hopes of a comeback and sealing a 1-1 draw on the night and a 3-1 aggregate win for the Moroccan side.
With the result, RS Berkane lift their third CAF Confederation Cup title, adding to their triumphs in 2020 and 2022, further solidifying their status as a dominant force in African club football.