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Reuters
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Berkane go 2-0 up after first leg of Confederation Cup final
BERKANE, Morocco, May 17 (Reuters) - Morocco's Renaissance Berkane scored two early goals but failed to add any more as they beat Simba of Tanzania 2-0 in Saturday's first leg of the African Confederation Cup final to take the advantage into next week's return. Berkane were heavily fancied going into their fifth Confederation Cup final in the past seven years and went ahead after eight minutes through Mamadou Camara, rising unmarked to head home from an in-swinging corner. A second goal from Oussama Lamlioui followed six minutes later in a blistering start that left the visitors looking shell-shocked and threatened a deluge of goals. Berkane, who have won the competition twice previously, had the ball in the net for a third time on the hour mark but Youssef Mehri's effort was ruled offside after a lengthy VAR check. Simba, whose previous appearance in a continental club competition final was 32 years ago, had few chances in the game but have home advantage for the return leg in Zanzibar on May 25.
CAF
17-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Berkane and Simba clash in TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup first-leg of Final
The first-leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final promises to deliver fireworks this evening as Moroccan heavyweights RS Berkane take on Tanzanian giants Simba SC in a showdown loaded with ambition, pressure and continental legacy. For Berkane, it's about asserting dominance and collecting a third title. For Simba, it's a chance to finally claim their first major continental trophy and write a new chapter in their proud history. Berkane's Relentless Pursuit Of A Third Title Few clubs have made this competition their own like RS Berkane. Champions in 2020 and 2022, the Moroccan side have reached their fourth final in six years and look more polished than ever. Their run to this year's final has been defined by ruthless efficiency and an unwavering sense of purpose. The semi-final clash against CS Constantine was a masterclass in first-leg dominance. Playing at home in Berkane, they crushed the Algerian outfit 4-0 thanks to a fast start and a well-drilled attacking display. Youssef Mehri opened the scoring inside the opening minute, Paul Bassène added a slick second, and Oussama Lamlaoui netted twice to put the tie out of sight. Constantine managed a 1-0 win in the return leg through Abdennour Belhocini, but Berkane's place in the final had already been sealed. In the quarter-finals, they faced a tricky test against Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas. A disciplined 1-0 away win in Abidjan, sealed by a late Imad Riahi goal, gave them the edge. Back home, Lamlioui found the net in the second leg to wrap up a 2-0 aggregate win and confirm their growing reputation as one of the most formidable clubs in African knockout football. Under the leadership of coach Moine Chaabani, Berkane have struck a balance between experience and youth. Veterans like Yassine El Khabbaoui provide calm, while the likes of Lamlaoui and Mehri bring flair and energy. Their defensive record has also been impressive, conceding just once over four knockout matches. Simba's Steely Road To The Final Simba SC's road to the final has been less flashy but equally impressive. The Tanzanian club have taken out some of the continent's most dangerous sides and are now just two matches away from continental glory. Their semi-final against South Africa's Stellenbosch FC was a tactical battle over two legs. In the first leg in Zanzibar, Ivorian defender Jean Ahoua stepped up with a beautifully struck free-kick just before half-time to hand Simba a 1-0 win. The return leg in Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium saw Stellenbosch throw everything at Simba, but Fadlu Davids' men stayed compact and weathered the storm to secure a goalless draw and a hard-fought aggregate win. That defensive steel had already been on display in the quarter-finals, where they knocked out reigning champions USM Alger. After a 1-1 draw in Dar es Salaam, Simba frustrated the hosts in Algeria to claim a 0-0 draw and progress on away goals. Davids has transformed this Simba side into a disciplined, pragmatic team with a clear identity. They no longer rely on individual brilliance but rather on structured pressing, solid organisation and moments of quality in key areas. The leadership of players like Henock Inonga at the back, the creativity of Clatous Chama in midfield and the set-piece threat of Jean Ahoua have made them a tough unit to break down. Clash Of Styles And Mindsets This final will be a battle of contrasts. Berkane play proactive football, often pressing high and trying to kill games off early. Simba are more conservative, focused on frustrating opponents and seizing moments. Both approaches have worked perfectly up to this point. The first leg will take place at Berkane's fortress-like Municipal Stadium, where the Moroccan side have blown away opponents with early pressure and clinical finishing. Simba's job will be to keep the game tight and possibly sneak an away goal. Legacy Versus Breakthrough For Berkane, this is familiar ground. They know what it takes to win this tournament and their squad is loaded with players who have done it before. Winning a third title would put them in rare company and confirm their status as one of Africa's most dominant club sides over the last decade. For Simba, this is potentially a transformational moment. Despite their huge domestic stature and passionate fanbase, continental success has often eluded them. A win would not only end that drought but also send a message to the rest of Africa that Tanzanian football is ready to step up to the elite level.
CAF
17-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
RS Berkane And Simba SC clash In TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Final
The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final promises to deliver fireworks this evening as Moroccan heavyweights RS Berkane take on Tanzanian giants Simba SC in a showdown loaded with ambition, pressure and continental legacy. For Berkane, it's about asserting dominance and collecting a third title. For Simba, it's a chance to finally claim their first major continental trophy and write a new chapter in their proud history. Berkane's Relentless Pursuit Of A Third Title Few clubs have made this competition their own like RS Berkane. Champions in 2020 and 2022, the Moroccan side have reached their fourth final in six years and look more polished than ever. Their run to this year's final has been defined by ruthless efficiency and an unwavering sense of purpose. The semi-final clash against CS Constantine was a masterclass in first-leg dominance. Playing at home in Berkane, they crushed the Algerian outfit 4-0 thanks to a fast start and a well-drilled attacking display. Youssef Mehri opened the scoring inside the opening minute, Paul Bassène added a slick second, and Oussama Lamlaoui netted twice to put the tie out of sight. Constantine managed a 1-0 win in the return leg through Abdennour Belhocini, but Berkane's place in the final had already been sealed. In the quarter-finals, they faced a tricky test against Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas. A disciplined 1-0 away win in Abidjan, sealed by a late Imad Riahi goal, gave them the edge. Back home, Lamlioui found the net in the second leg to wrap up a 2-0 aggregate win and confirm their growing reputation as one of the most formidable clubs in African knockout football. Under the leadership of coach Moine Chaabani, Berkane have struck a balance between experience and youth. Veterans like Yassine El Khabbaoui provide calm, while the likes of Lamlaoui and Mehri bring flair and energy. Their defensive record has also been impressive, conceding just once over four knockout matches. Simba's Steely Road To The Final Simba SC's road to the final has been less flashy but equally impressive. The Tanzanian club have taken out some of the continent's most dangerous sides and are now just two matches away from continental glory. Their semi-final against South Africa's Stellenbosch FC was a tactical battle over two legs. In the first leg in Zanzibar, Ivorian defender Jean Ahoua stepped up with a beautifully struck free-kick just before half-time to hand Simba a 1-0 win. The return leg in Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium saw Stellenbosch throw everything at Simba, but Fadlu Davids' men stayed compact and weathered the storm to secure a goalless draw and a hard-fought aggregate win. That defensive steel had already been on display in the quarter-finals, where they knocked out reigning champions USM Alger. After a 1-1 draw in Dar es Salaam, Simba frustrated the hosts in Algeria to claim a 0-0 draw and progress on away goals. Davids has transformed this Simba side into a disciplined, pragmatic team with a clear identity. They no longer rely on individual brilliance but rather on structured pressing, solid organisation and moments of quality in key areas. The leadership of players like Henock Inonga at the back, the creativity of Clatous Chama in midfield and the set-piece threat of Jean Ahoua have made them a tough unit to break down. Clash Of Styles And Mindsets This final will be a battle of contrasts. Berkane play proactive football, often pressing high and trying to kill games off early. Simba are more conservative, focused on frustrating opponents and seizing moments. Both approaches have worked perfectly up to this point. The first leg will take place at Berkane's fortress-like Municipal Stadium, where the Moroccan side have blown away opponents with early pressure and clinical finishing. Simba's job will be to keep the game tight and possibly sneak an away goal. Legacy Versus Breakthrough For Berkane, this is familiar ground. They know what it takes to win this tournament and their squad is loaded with players who have done it before. Winning a third title would put them in rare company and confirm their status as one of Africa's most dominant club sides over the last decade. For Simba, this is potentially a transformational moment. Despite their huge domestic stature and passionate fanbase, continental success has often eluded them. A win would not only end that drought but also send a message to the rest of Africa that Tanzanian football is ready to step up to the elite level.
CAF
26-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Constantine face daunting task against rampant Berkane
Published: Saturday, 26 April 2025 CS Constantine must produce one of the greatest comebacks in TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup history when they host Morocco's RS Berkane on Sunday, trailing 4-0 from the first leg. The Algerian side were stunned last weekend as Berkane, chasing a third CAF Confederation Cup crown, dismantled them with a dominant performance at home. Early goals from Youssef Mehri and Paul Bassène set the tone, before Oussama Lamlaoui added two more after the break to all but seal the tie. Now, coach Kheireddine Madoui faces a monumental challenge to inspire belief among his players and supporters ahead of the return leg at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium. Despite the odds, Madoui has called on his players to "believe in the impossible" and deliver a spirited performance for the fans. Constantine's recent form offers little encouragement, with no wins in their last four matches across all competitions. They must not only find a way past a resilient Berkane defence but also avoid conceding, with the visitors boasting one of the best defensive records in this season's competition. Berkane, meanwhile, arrive in Algeria in superb form, having won four of their last five Confederation Cup matches. Led by the influential Mehri and Lamlaoui, they carry a cutting edge that has made them favourites to reach a second consecutive final. A quick start will be crucial for Constantine if they are to mount any form of comeback. They must score early to unsettle Berkane and ignite hope among their passionate home crowd. However, another Berkane goal would leave the Algerians needing six — a near-impossible mountain to climb. The Moroccan side have proven themselves seasoned campaigners at this stage, lifting the CAF Confederation Cup in 2020 and 2022, and look well on course to add a third title. Sunday's clash in Constantine will be a true test of resilience, pride, and belief for the home side — but Berkane are firmly in control as they eye another shot at continental glory. Kick-off is set for 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT).
CAF
21-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Berkane defeat CS Constantine to seize control of semi-final
Published: Sunday, 20 April 2025 RS Berkane took a commanding step towards the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final with a thumping 4-0 win over Algeria's CS Constantine in Sunday's first leg semi-final in Morocco. The 2020 and 2022 champions were ruthless from the outset at the Municipal Stadium of Berkane, with Youssef Mehri opening the scoring within seconds of kick-off. The early goal sent the home fans into raptures and set the tone for a dominant performance. Paul Bassène doubled the lead before the break with a composed finish, putting Berkane firmly in control by half-time against a shell-shocked Constantine side. The visitors, making a rare appearance in the latter stages of a CAF competition, struggled to cope with Berkane's pace and intensity throughout the match. Their resistance crumbled further in the 54th minute when Oussama Lamlaoui added a third for the Moroccan side. Lamlaoui then capped an outstanding evening with a second goal in the dying moments, ensuring Berkane carry a formidable advantage into next week's second leg in Algeria. The hosts combined fluid attacking play with relentless pressing to completely nullify Constantine, who barely registered a threat in the final third. Berkane's experience on the continental stage was evident, as they controlled the tempo and punished every defensive lapse. With a four-goal cushion and one foot firmly in the final, Berkane are now strong favourites to reach their third CAF Confederation Cup final in five years. CS Constantine, meanwhile, face a near-impossible task in the return leg. They will need to produce one of the greatest comebacks in CAF club competition history to overturn the deficit.
