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Soumaila Sidibe struck a dramatic injury-time equaliser to earn Morocco’s RS Berkane a 1-1 draw against Tanzania’s Simba SC on Sunday, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory and their third CAF Confederation Cup title in six years.
Having taken a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Morocco, Berkane arrived in Zanzibar needing only to avoid defeat by two goals. Despite falling behind on the day, they managed to secure the result needed to lift the trophy once again, adding to their previous triumphs in 2020 and 2022.
Sidibe, who came off the bench, made the decisive impact in the 93rd minute by dispossessing an opposing player in the box and slotting past Simba’s Guinean goalkeeper Moussa Camara at his near post.
Earlier, Simba had given their fans hope when Zambia’s Joshua Mutale capitalised on slack marking to fire home at the far post after just 17 minutes. The hosts then pushed for a second goal that would level the tie on aggregate.
Berkane had their own chances, with skipper Issoufou Dayo heading over the bar from close range after Camara had produced a fine save to deny Adil Tahif’s header at the back post. The match was played in front of a full house at the 15,000-seater Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City.
Simba’s task was made harder early in the second half when midfielder Yusuph Kagoma was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Imad Riahi. Still, the Tanzanian side showed plenty of fight and nearly found their equaliser in the 73rd minute, only for Steven Mukwala’s headed goal—off a Jean Charles Ahoua free-kick—to be ruled offside after a lengthy VAR check.
The build-up to the second leg was dominated by CAF’s controversial decision to move the match from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. An inspection found issues with the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium pitch, prompting the last-minute venue change. Simba owner Mo Dewji criticised the decision, stating the club travelled to Zanzibar “not by choice, but by duty”.
This marks Berkane’s fifth appearance in the Confederation Cup final since 2019, having been runners-up twice. However, they will not defend their title next season. After winning their first-ever Moroccan league championship, the Orange Boys will instead participate in the CAF Champions League. Simba have also booked their place in Africa’s premier club tournament.
Berkane received a $2 million prize for their victory, and stand to earn an additional $500,000 should they defeat either South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns or Egypt’s Pyramids in the upcoming CAF Super Cup.
