RS Berkane moved a step closer to securing their third CAF Cup title after a commanding 2-0 victory over Tanzania’s Simba SC in the first leg of the final, held at the Berkane Municipal Stadium on Saturday.
The Moroccan side, who previously clinched the title in 2020 and 2024, showed their quality early in the match and put themselves in a strong position to lift the prestigious continental trophy once again. The result was a crucial one, as it gives Berkane a solid advantage heading into the return leg in Zanzibar next week.
Berkane wasted no time in asserting their dominance. The opening goal came in the 8th minute when 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder Mamadou Lamine Camara made a powerful impact.
Rising above the defenders, the towering Camara met a right-wing corner with a clinical header that found the back of the net, giving the home side the lead. His goal exemplified Berkane’s aggressive approach and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Just six minutes later, Berkane doubled their advantage. Oussama Lamlioui, displaying sharp reflexes inside the box, fired a precise shot past Simba SC’s goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
This was only the second shot on target for the Moroccan team, underscoring their clinical finishing and ability to make the most of their opportunities.
Despite their early dominance, Berkane’s lead could have been even greater if not for a couple of controversial moments involving VAR. The most notable of these came in the 60th minute when a goal scored by the hosts was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Further frustration followed in the 71st minute when two potential penalties for the home side were not awarded, despite strong appeals from players and fans alike. Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho did not consult the video assistant referee on either occasion, leaving Berkane fans puzzled and disappointed.
Simba SC, on the other hand, struggled to break down the solid Berkane defense and lacked the precision required to find a way back into the match.
Though the Tanzanian side showed some promising flashes, they were unable to test the home goalkeeper effectively and were punished by Berkane’s efficient attacking play.
With the scoreline remaining 2-0 at the final whistle, Berkane now take a significant advantage into the second leg of the final. However, the Moroccan club will be mindful that the tie is far from over, as Simba SC will look to mount a strong comeback in front of their own supporters in Zanzibar next week.
The second leg of the CAF Cup final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Simba SC needing to overturn a two-goal deficit to keep their hopes of winning the title alive.
For Berkane, the focus will be on maintaining their composure and finishing the job in Tanzania, where a controlled performance could see them lift the coveted trophy once again.
As the final approaches its conclusion, Berkane’s title ambitions are firmly in their hands, but they will have to remain vigilant in the face of Simba SC’s potential resurgence. The return leg promises to deliver further drama as both sides battle for continental glory.
