On Sunday evening, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane will host Egypt’s Zamalek Sporting Club in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final. The Moroccan side, led by coach Mounir El Jaouani, aims to achieve a historic feat: winning their first continental title.
For RS Berkane, this final represents the pinnacle of a remarkable rise. Once a second-division club largely unknown outside Morocco, they have climbed to the top tier, secured promotion, and even lifted the prestigious Moroccan Throne Cup last year. Now, they face a five-time African champion in Zamalek, a team accustomed to high-stakes continental clashes, making the challenge even greater.
Togolese striker Fo Doh Laba Kodjo, 26, embodies the team’s aspirations. With 18 goals in the Botola league and seven more in African competitions this season, he carries much of the club’s hopes on his shoulders. Speaking to CAF’s official website, Laba emphasized, “If we’ve reached the final, it’s precisely to win the Cup. Our team’s greatest strength is the harmony within the squad. Then there’s the staff and the coach who are doing a quality job.”
RS Berkane faces additional challenges, as they will be without key players, including captain Mohamed El Aziz, suspended midfielder Larbi Naji, and injured veterans Abdessamad El Moubarky and Burkinabe Alain Traoré. Despite these absences, the team remains determined to secure a strong result at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, aiming to approach the return leg in Alexandria with confidence.
The first leg is crucial. A commanding home performance would relieve some pressure and give Berkane a chance to take the initiative against a historically dominant Zamalek side. The club’s management has also motivated the squad with substantial bonuses, ensuring the players are fully focused on the moment.
For Berkane, this final is more than just a game. It is a testament to the club’s rapid ascent in Moroccan and African football, a reflection of the strategic work by the coach, the dedication of the players, and the guidance of honorary president Faouzi Lakjaa. A victory would not only mark their first continental title but would also establish RS Berkane as a new force in African football.
Sunday evening, the Moroccan underdogs will have their chance to make history, with Laba Kodjo leading the charge and the team united in pursuit of glory. The outcome of this match will set the tone for the return leg in Egypt and could define the club’s legacy for years to come.
