Zamalek: The Nemesis That Keeps RS Berkane’s Confederation Cup Dreams In Check

RS Berkane may have lifted their third CAF Confederation Cup title on Sunday after a 1-1 draw in Cairo, but Zamalek SC remains the Moroccan club’s ultimate nemesis, having denied them continental glory on two pivotal occasions.

Berkane’s Triumph Seals Historic Third Title

Thanks to their crucial 2-0 first-leg win, Berkane claimed the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Tanzania’s Simba SC. That win places them joint top of the competition’s all-time winners list alongside Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, each with three titles.

Berkane’s Confederation Cup Titles:

• 2020
• 2022
• 2025

They now sit ahead of African heavyweights like TP Mazembe, Étoile du Sahel, Raja Casablanca, and Zamalek, each with two titles or fewer.

Zamalek: The Dream Destroyers

Despite their growing legacy, Berkane could have been five-time champions if not for Zamalek’s decisive strikes in two heartbreaking finals:

• 2019 Final

1. First leg: Berkane 1-0 Zamalek
2. Second leg: Zamalek 1-0 Berkane
3. Zamalek triumphed 5-3 on penalties

• 2024 Final

1. First leg: Berkane 2-1 Zamalek
2. Second leg: Zamalek 1-0 Berkane
3. Zamalek won the cup on away goals rule

The Zamalek Wall

Zamalek's defensive perseverance in those finals continues to be a defining barrier in Berkane's pursuit of African supremacy, despite the team winning three Confederation Cup titles in six years.

Berkane’s Confederation Cup Final Record:

• 2019: Runners-up (vs Zamalek)
• 2020: Champions
• 2022: Champions
• 2024: Runners-up (vs Zamalek)
• 2025: Champions

RS Berkane is currently regarded as one of Africa's elite. However, despite their ascent, Zamalek's shadow remains, having prevented them from achieving near-total supremacy during the Confederation Cup era.