RS Berkane Takes Strong Lead Over Simba SC in CAF Confederation Cup Final First Leg

RS Berkane took a big step towards their third CAF Confederation Cup title after securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Simba SC in the first leg of the final on Saturday night at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.

Dream Start for the Moroccan Giants

The Moroccan side came out flying and struck early, with Mamadou Camara opening the scoring in the 8th minute. The defender rose highest at the near post to glance home a perfectly delivered corner from Hamza El Moussaoui.

Berkane extended their lead six minutes later. Imad Riahi created a costly error in Simba's defensive third, which allowed Oussama Lamlioui to calmly evade three defenders and then slide a low shot past the goalie to make it 2-0.

Simba Dig In, But Remain Under Pressure

Despite a shaky start, Fadlu Davids’ men regrouped and resisted further damage. An early injury to Abdulrazack Hamza forced a substitution, with Che Malone Junior coming on midway through the first half.

Simba’s only clear chance of the half came when Shomari Kapombe crossed for Leonel Ateba, who failed to connect cleanly with the goal at his mercy.

VAR Denies Berkane a Third

The hosts continued to dominate after the break and thought they had scored a third on the hour mark through Youssef Mehri, but VAR intervened to rule the goal out for offside.

Berkane also had a penalty appeal turned down in the 70th minute after Lamlioui appeared to be pulled inside the box, but the referee waved play on.

Simba nearly grabbed a crucial away goal late in the game, with Ateba’s deflected shot narrowly missing the target in the 84th minute.

All to Play for in Dar es Salaam

The second leg will be held on Sunday, 25 May at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, where Simba SC must overturn a two-goal deficit to keep their continental dreams alive.