RS Berkane eyes third title: Can they maintain their lead in the CAF Confederation final showdown?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
This Sunday, the CAF Confederation Cup final is set for a thrilling conclusion. Simba SC are tasked with overturning a two-goal deficit from the first leg against RS Berkane of Morocco in a bid to win their first continental trophy in 32 years. The second leg will be played at Amaan Stadium, a venue that has been met with mixed emotions by Simba SC and the home faithful.
Berkane's Dominance In The First Leg.
RS Berkane flexed their credentials as a two-time CAF Confederation Cup champion in the first leg against Tanzania's Simba SC. The Moroccan side had an advantage with the first leg being played on their home ground—Berkane Municipal Stadium.
Mamadou Camara wasted no time in opening the scoring for RS Berkane in the 8th minute, thanks to a header from a corner. Six minutes later, Oussama Lamlioui capitalized on a defensive error from Simba SC to give his team a 2-0 lead.
Youssef Mehri thought he had given his side a 3-0 lead at the hour mark after VAR intervened and ruled out his goal. Despite that, a 2-0 advantage puts them in a very good position heading into the second leg.
Simba’s Uphill Battle Amid Venue Controversy.
It's no secret that Simba SC are making their first-ever appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup. They can be forgiven for their first-leg blunder. However, the reality behind their return leg is that they face an uphill battle.
The Tanzanian giants need to overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg. What does that essentially mean? They need to win by at least three goals, or if that's too much of an ask, force extra time by scoring two goals whilst keeping a clean sheet. Let's see what our Sportytrader betting experts have to say about the Simba SC vs Renaissance de Berkane Prediction.
Fadlu Davids' troops will play the second leg at home. However, the venue is not the one they originally planned to play at. The second leg was set to be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, but the Confederation of African Football was not impressed with the stadium's pitch to host a continental final.
The New Stadium: Amaan Stadium
The second leg has been relocated to Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar. It's a significant downgrade from the previous one if you take into consideration the seating capacity. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium has a seating capacity of 60,000 compared to the current 15,000 capacity.
Key Factors to Consider in the Second Leg.
RS Berkane: The Away Goal Threat
RS Berkane comes into the second leg with a two-goal advantage. If it happens that they score a goal on the road that would force Simba SC to score four times.
Realistically speaking, it will be too far-fetched to think of Simba scoring four goals, considering Berkane's rock-solid defence. The Moroccan side conceded one goal in the knockout stages before the final, and a clean sheet in their favour can not be ruled out.
Simba's Impressive Home Record
Simba SC has been performing well at home compared to their poor away form. In this year’s CAF Confederation Cup competition, they have won each of their last six matches at home. Putting aside the venue change, they remain a force to be reckoned with in front of their home crowd.
Historical Implications.
RS Berkane and Simba SC both have historical implications if either of them manages to come out on top this Sunday.
- For RS Berkane, a third title could see them on level terms with CS Sfaxien's titles. This would also place them as the most successful club in Confederation Cup history.
- For Simba SC, winning the CAF Confederation Cup could mark their first ever major continental trophy since their 1993 Cup Winners Cup victory.
Can Berkane Seal The Deal At Zanzibar?
RS Berkane has extensive experience on the continental stage and knows what it takes to win. The Moroccan side is also a strong favourite heading into this clash thanks to their early dominance in the first leg that granted them a 2-0 advantage.
However, they should not be too overconfident given Simba's resilience at home, which could make this a very nervy encounter.
