Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Zamalek of Cairo in the first leg of the 2019 CAF Confederation Cup final, bringing the Moroccan club one step closer to continental glory. The match, played on Sunday at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, was tightly contested, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to find the net until the dying moments.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. Togolese striker Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba, who has been in scintillating form for RSB, struck in the fifth minute of added time (90+5), sending the home crowd into jubilation. Laba’s late goal not only secured the lead but also demonstrated his composure and determination in high-pressure situations. Prior to this, Zamalek had pushed hard to break through the Moroccan defense, relying heavily on Egyptian star Kahraba to create chances, but RSB’s defenders held firm throughout the match.
The victory is particularly significant for Renaissance Sportive de Berkane, as it marks the first time in the club’s history that they have reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup. The triumph, however, is only half the battle, as the return leg in Cairo on May 26, 2019, promises to be a closely fought contest. Zamalek officials remain optimistic about overturning the deficit. Ismail Youssef, president of the Zamalek delegation, commented after the match: “We faced a strong Berkane team that caused us serious problems, especially on set pieces. We conceded an away goal, but with the support of our fans, we can turn things around and win this precious cup.”
Tunisian international Hamdi Nagguez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Zamalek’s confidence when playing at home: “We have always scored goals at home, and we hope that the return match will first and foremost be an example of sportsmanship between the two teams.” Their comments reflect Zamalek’s determination to exploit home advantage while acknowledging the quality of RSB’s performance in Morocco.
For RSB, the victory is a historic milestone. It reflects not only the progress of the Moroccan club on the continental stage but also the impact of players like Laba, who have delivered consistently throughout the tournament. Set pieces and defensive organization were key to their success in the first leg, and the team will aim to maintain that resilience in Egypt to secure the CAF Confederation Cup title.
The second leg, scheduled for May 26 in Cairo, will be decisive. RSB holds a slight advantage, thanks to Laba’s late goal, but Zamalek’s record and home support suggest that the final will be a tense, high-stakes encounter. Fans of both clubs can expect an intense, competitive match as the two sides vie for one of Africa’s most prestigious trophies.
In summary, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane claimed a historic 1-0 first-leg victory over Zamalek, thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Kodjo Laba. While the Moroccan side celebrates its first CAF Confederation Cup final win, the return leg in Cairo promises a thrilling showdown, with Zamalek determined to overturn the deficit and RSB aiming to make history.
