AFCON 2025
RS Berkane edged closer to a third CAF Confederation Cup title with a clinical 2-0 victory over Tanzanian heavyweights Simba SC in the first leg of the final on Saturday night at the lively Berkane Municipal Stadium.
The Moroccan side came out firing, roared on by a passionate home crowd, and wasted little time stamping their authority.
Just eight minutes in, Hamza El Moussaoui whipped in a precise corner that found Mamadou Camara, who powered a header past the keeper to give Berkane an early advantage.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 14th minute with a flowing move. Imad Riahi delivered a perfectly weighted pass that Oussama Lamlaoui calmly slotted home, putting Simba on the back foot.
Despite the setback, Simba SC showed resilience and pushed for an away goal. Leonel Ateba and Elie Mpanzu both came close, but a solid Berkane defense and some sharp saves from Hamza Hamiani kept them at bay.
In the second half, Berkane continued to press for a third. Youssef Mehri thought he had found it in the 60th minute, only for VAR to chalk off the goal for offside.
Late chances from Issoufou Dayo and Mateus Santos nearly made it three for the home side, but Simba’s backline held on to limit the damage.
With a 2-0 cushion heading into the return leg in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, May 25, RS Berkane stand firmly in control. But Simba SC will be aiming for a stirring comeback on home turf to keep their continental dream alive.
