The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced a scheduling adjustment for the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final between Simba SC of Tanzania and Morocco’s RS Berkane.
Originally set to kick off at 4:00 p.m. local time, the decisive clash will now begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, 25 May, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
CAF made the change public on Monday, stating that the earlier start time is intended to mitigate the impact of local weather conditions typically observed during this period.
While the revised kick-off time may appear to be a minor logistical modification, it has come amid ongoing tensions surrounding the choice of venue — a decision that has stirred frustration within the Simba SC camp.
Simba’s Appeal Denied by CAF
Simba, led by club president and prominent businessman Mohammed “Mo” Dewji, had strongly lobbied for the match to be played at their traditional home ground, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The club argued that the final leg of the tournament deserved the electrifying atmosphere of their home fans, especially given the magnitude of the occasion.
However, CAF remained firm in its stance, citing technical assessments and expert recommendations. In an official communication sent to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), CAF explained that the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was deemed unsuitable due to ongoing issues exacerbated by the country’s rainy season.
Following thorough inspections, the stadium was found to be lacking the necessary conditions for a high-level continental final, and the required maintenance and modernisation work could not be completed in time. As a result, Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium was chosen as the alternative venue.
“This decision was taken after extensive consultations, with the sole aim of ensuring the best possible sporting conditions for players and supporters,” CAF said in its statement, underlining the importance of player safety and match quality.
Simba Frustrated, RS Berkane in Command
The relocation decision has not been well received in Tanzania, where many view it as a disadvantage for Simba. The club will now have to play one of the most significant matches in its history away from the familiar surroundings of its home stadium.
Reports in Tanzanian media even suggested that Mo Dewji had considered withdrawing from the final altogether in protest, though this threat did not materialise.
Despite their frustration off the field, Simba will need to shift focus quickly if they hope to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg. RS Berkane, already in a strong position following their home win, will travel to Zanzibar knowing a solid performance could see them clinch another continental title.
The Moroccans, aiming to secure back-to-back CAF Confederation Cup trophies, will be wary of a Simba side determined to defy the odds in front of what is expected to be a passionate — albeit neutral — crowd.
With tensions simmering off the pitch and the trophy on the line, the final leg promises to be as intense as it is unpredictable.
🚨🌍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐂𝐀𝐅:
CAF assisted and cooperated with Tanzania Football Federation and other Stakeholders to enable the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar Es Salaam to host the 2nd Leg of the CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final.
CAF is grateful to the Tanzania… pic.twitter.com/Rw5SSaXqVo
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) May 20, 2025
