Simba SC host RS Berkane this Sunday at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar for the decisive second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final, with kick-off set for 4:00 p.m. local time (GMT+3).
The Tanzanian side is facing an uphill battle after falling 2-0 in the first leg played in Morocco. RS Berkane, who lifted the CAF Cup in both 2020 and 2022, will be looking to secure their third continental title in just five years. Meanwhile, Simba SC are striving for their first-ever championship in the competition, hoping to turn the tide in front of their home supporters.
Broadcast Information
The match will be broadcast across multiple networks to cater to a wide continental and international audience. In Morocco, fans can catch the action live on Arryadia. In France, the fixture will be shown on beIN Sports Max 4. Viewers in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa can potentially tune in via Canal+ Sport.
Berkane in Pole Position
RS Berkane come into the return leg full of confidence, buoyed by their dominant start in the first leg. The Moroccan club struck twice within the opening 15 minutes in Berkane, capitalising on Simba’s sluggish defensive line to take control of the tie early on. That blistering start has handed them a vital advantage heading into the away leg.
The “Oranges” have demonstrated poise and discipline throughout the tournament, and their past experience in continental finals gives them an edge. Their two previous CAF Cup victories serve as a strong foundation, with many players and coaching staff familiar with the high-pressure environment of such decisive encounters.
Simba’s Uphill Task
For Simba SC, the mission is simple, but the task is enormous. They must win by a margin of three goals or more to overturn the aggregate score and claim the title outright within 90 minutes. A 2-0 win would force extra time, while anything less would hand the trophy to Berkane.
Despite the daunting scoreline, Simba will draw inspiration from their 2022 group stage win over the same opponent. That day, they edged Berkane 1-0 at home—a result that, while not sufficient on Sunday, could bolster belief that victory is possible.
The Tanzanian club’s fortunes rest on their ability to breach a resolute Berkane defence that has shown remarkable solidity throughout the tournament. Simba will also need to keep their composure, avoid conceding early, and make full use of their attacking assets to mount a comeback that would go down in African football history.
High Stakes and History on the Line
Victory for RS Berkane would affirm their status as one of the continent’s premier clubs in recent years, adding to their growing legacy. For Simba, the final represents a chance to step onto the continental podium for the first time, a moment that could redefine the club’s place in African football.
With everything on the line, Sunday’s clash promises drama, intensity, and potentially history in the making. All eyes will be on Zanzibar as two of Africa’s footballing powerhouses battle for CAF Cup glory.