Simba SC's first-ever CAF Final: Can they upset two-time champions Berkane?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Simba SC vs RS Berkane: CAF Confederation Cup Glory On The Line
The Tanzanian club Simba SC is on the brink of making history in the CAF Confederation Cup final. They are eyeing their first-ever continental trophy in club history.
Standing in their way is a formidable RS Berkane side that has made appearing in the CAF Confederation Cup finals a routine. They are two-time champions in this competition, with their last silverware coming in the 2021-22 season.
Can Simba SC pull off an upset in Africa's biggest continental stage and beat RS Berkane?
Simba SC: Path To The CAF Confederation Cup Final!
Simba SC have definitely turned out to be the surprise packages in the CAF Confederation Cup this year. Nobody had anticipated that the Tanzanian club would make it this far, let alone be in a final.
They are the second club in Tanzanian football to reach the CAF Confederation Cup final since Young Africans' appearance in the 2022-23 season.
Below is Simba's journey to the CAF Confederation Cup final, which has been well-reported.
- Group stages
The East African club was in Group A. It included the likes of CS Constantine, CS Sfaxien, and Bravos do Maquis. For a team of their caliber, they had a strong showing, picking up 13 points from a possible 18. This allowed them to top Group A, maintaining a one-point cushion over second-placed CS Constantine.
- Quarter-finals (vs. Al Masry)
Their performance in the knockout stages was a bit shaky at the start. However, their resilience and ambition paid off at the end. In the quarter-finals, they were pitted against Egypt's Al Masry. Unfortunately, they lost 2-0 in the first leg. They kept their composure and overturned the two-goal deficit to win 2-0 at home and eventually won 4-1 on penalties.
- Semi-finals (vs. Stellenbosch)
Stellenbosch was not that much of a problem for the East African club. They won 1-0 at home in the first leg. The return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium saw them settle for a goalless draw, which was more than enough to see them storm their way to the final.
RS Berkane: The Brickwall!
RS Berkane is not your ordinary average team from Morocco that can be bossed around. The CAF Confederation Cup has been their playground.
Their first final appearance in this competition was in 2019, marking the beginning of a dominant era. In just seven years, they have been finalists five times and have been crowned champions two times in 2020 and 2022.
Berkane faced no issues when it came to booking their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup final. They topped Group B, and the most impressive part about their performance in the group stages is that they conceded just one goal throughout the six games.
Their solid defense was also evident in the knockout stages, where they conceded just one goal. In the quarter-finals, they beat ASEC 2-0 on aggregate. Then, in the semi-finals saw off the threat of CS Constantine 4-1 on aggregate.
The Moroccan side has also been a real threat when playing at home. They have not lost a game at Stade Municipal de Berkane since making their first appearance in the 2015 edition. This could see them carry a decisive advantage to the second leg. Our betting experts also agree with this sentiment in the Renaissance de Berkane vs Simba SC Prediction.
RS Berkane's home record in the CAF Confederation Cup:
- Matches played: 49
- Wins: 43
- Draws: 6
Such an imposing home record could see them make life difficult for Simba SC, who have been poor on the road.
What Exactly Is Required From Simba?
Simba SC may not have the best defense like Berkane, but let's not forget this is the same backline that earned them a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup final.
Their task is fairly simple, to be honest. All they need to do is keep a disciplined defense, which could be their key to success. To achieve this, goalkeeper Moussa Camara has to be at his very best in both legs. The defensive duo of Abdulrazack Hamza and Chamou Karaboue will also need to chip in and throw their weight around.
Attack has not been their strong suit, as evidenced in their return leg against Stellenbosch in the semi-finals. They had 13 total shots, and 4 were on target. That means we won't see many goals from them.
Home-court advantage could lead to a positive result. Their second leg against Berkane will be at Zanzibar, and that's a very big opportunity for them to make the most out of home advantage because the first leg in Morocco will be a tough one.
Is Simba SC Winning This One?
Simba SC doesn't have the experience RSB Berkane has in the continental stage. However, ruling them out from causing the biggest shock in history is not an option either.
The Tanzanian club has shown a lot of fighting spirit, beating the likes of CS Constantine and Stellenbosch. It's difficult for them to win against two-time RS Berkane, but also not impossible. At the end of the day, the East African club has already won the hearts of its fans even if they fail to emerge triumphant.
Final Match Details:
- First Leg: May 17, 2025
- Match: RS Berkane vs. Simba SC
- Venue: Stade Municipal de Berkane, Morocco
- Second leg: May 25, 2025
- Match: Simba SC vs. RS Berkane
- Venue: Amaan Stadium, Tanzania
