RS Berkane are the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 champions after coming from behind to a 1-1 draw in Zanzibar to secure the title on aggregate in a tense and emotional final clash.
The Moroccan side, having earned a first-leg advantage, displayed grit and composure under immense pressure in Dar es Salaam to claim their third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title, adding to their triumphs in 2020 and 2022.
With a packed Stadium roaring them on, Simba SC took an early lead to ignite hopes of a comeback. Joshua Mutale opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a composed finish after a clever assist from Elie Mpanzu, giving Simba a 1-0 lead.
The hosts continued to push, with Steven Mukwala and Shomari Kapombe threatening the RS Berkane goal. However, the Moroccan side remained resolute, with goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi and his backline withstanding the pressure.
Despite Simba’s lead, VAR heartbreak struck in the 73rd minute when Steven Mukwala’s goal was overturned for offside, a pivotal moment that kept RS Berkane’s aggregate advantage intact.
Tensions ran high throughout the match. Simba’s Yusuph Kagoma was sent off early in the second half after receiving a second yellow card in the 50th minute, tilting the balance in RS Berkane’s favour.
As Simba pushed desperately for a second goal, Soumaila Sidibe emerged as the hero for RS Berkane.
Sidibe scored a crucial equaliser with a well-taken right-footed effort from a tight angle, beating goalkeeper Moussa Camara and silencing the home crowd.
That goal sealed the draw and effectively ended Simba’s hopes, as RS Berkane’s aggregate lead became insurmountable. –Cafonline.com