For the first time in their history, Zamalek of Egypt and Renaissance Sportive de Berkane of Morocco have qualified for the final of the CAF Confederation Cup, setting up a historic showdown between two clubs chasing their first title in the competition.
Renaissance Berkane booked their place in dramatic fashion on Sunday, producing a stunning comeback in the second leg of their semi-final against Club Sfaxien. After losing 2–0 in the first leg in Tunisia, the Moroccan side faced a daunting task. However, backed by their home crowd, Berkane delivered a performance full of intensity, belief, and attacking ambition, eventually overturning the deficit with a convincing 3–0 victory.
The hero of the night was Togolese striker Kodjo Laba, who opened the scoring and ignited hopes of a remarkable turnaround. His goal gave Berkane the early breakthrough they desperately needed and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor. The pressure continued to mount on the Tunisian side, and Berkane’s determination was rewarded again when Burkina Faso international Issoufou Dayo found the net, bringing the aggregate score level and sending the stadium into celebration.
With qualification now within reach, Berkane refused to settle. They continued to push forward, and their attacking intent was crowned by a third goal from Omar Namsaoui, which completed the comeback and sealed a famous night in the club’s history. The final whistle confirmed Berkane’s first-ever qualification for a continental final, a major milestone for a club that has steadily grown in stature on the African stage.
However, the match ended in ugly scenes. Tensions boiled over after the final whistle, leading to clashes between Club Sfaxien players and members of the refereeing team. Blows were reportedly exchanged in chaotic scenes that overshadowed Berkane’s achievement. Given the seriousness of the incidents, Sfaxien now face the prospect of heavy disciplinary sanctions from the Confederation of African Football.
The second semi-final, played between Étoile du Sahel and Zamalek, was far less dramatic but just as decisive. Holding a 1–0 advantage from the first leg in Cairo, Zamalek travelled to Tunisia with a clear objective: remain solid, manage the game, and avoid conceding. The Egyptian giants executed their plan to perfection, delivering a disciplined and controlled performance to secure a 0–0 draw.
Although chances were limited and the tempo was cautious, Zamalek never truly looked in danger. Their defensive organization and game management frustrated Étoile du Sahel, who struggled to break them down or create clear-cut opportunities. When the match ended goalless, it confirmed Zamalek’s passage to the final and kept alive their dream of lifting a continental trophy they have never won before.
The final between Zamalek and Renaissance Berkane promises to be a fascinating contest between two ambitious clubs determined to write a new chapter in their history. The first leg is scheduled for May 19, with the return leg set for May 26. Over two matches, one of these teams will seize the opportunity to claim the CAF Confederation Cup for the very first time, guaranteeing a new name on the trophy and a memorable moment in African club football.
