Connect with us

CAF Confederation Cup

RS Berkane and Zamalek renew rivalry in CAF Confederation Cup Final 

blank

Published

on

blank

The first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup 2023/24 Final will kick-off in Berkane, Morocco, between Morocco’s RS Berkane FC and Zamalek SC of Egypt on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

The match, a repeat of the 2019 Final between the two Clubs, will kick-off at 20h00 Local Time (19h00 GMT).

This season marks the 21st edition of the competition and with every season, exciting African club football memories continue to be engraved in the rich history books of African football – with this edition set to continue the legacy.

The double legged tie will then conclude a week later at the Cairo International Stadium when Zamalek plays host to the second leg on Sunday, 19 May at 19h00 Local Time (17h00 GMT).

Both RS Berkane and Zamalek raised their hands and stamped their authority as the tournament’s firm favourites after finishing top of their respective groups without a single loss enroute to the final.

Advertisement

While the Moroccans have enjoyed more CAF Confederation Cup success than their Egyptian counterparts, having won the title twice and losing out once in the final, Zamalek have proven cup pedigree and will certainly aim at repeating their 2019 success over the Moroccans to halt what could potentially be a five-year continental trophy drought for the White Knights.

Sunday’s start to the double-legged final is set to be broadcast live and in high-definition to the global audience, with CAF pulling out all the stops in ensuring that African football’s global audience experiences both finals in the best broadcast technology.

In addition to the live broadcast across the globe, fans are also invited to be a part of the online conversation and enjoy exclusive behind the scenes content across CAF’s digital platforms using CAF Confederation Cup.

Confederation Cup Final 

Sunday, 12 May 2024

Advertisement

19h00 GMT | RS Berkane vs Zamalek SC

Sunday, 19 May 2024 

17h00 GMT | Zamalek SC vs RS Berkane

-CAF

Advertisement

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

CAF Confederation Cup

Renaissance de Berkane are  third-time CAF Confederation Cup winners

blank

Published

on

blank

Moroccan side, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane secured a third continental title after drawing against Tanzania’s Simba Sports Club (2-0 in the first leg, 1-1 in the return).

Moroccan football’s representatives had the privilege of being the first to lift the new CAF trophy.

It is the fifth time they have played the final match of the competition, and they were successful in 2020 and 2022.  In the return leg of the final match this Sunday, Berkane overcame challenges put in their way ahead of the match at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

The match got off to a flying start, with the hosts dominating, determined to open the scoring in the opening minutes of play. Once again, Berkane retreated into defence, a far cry from the spirit displayed in the first leg.

It took about fifteen minutes for Mouine Chaâbani’s men to truly get into the game.

Advertisement

While they launched their first dangerous attack, a missed opportunity in front of the opposing goal cost them dearly. On the ensuing counterattack, Simba’s Zambian striker, Joshua Mutale, beat goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi in the 17th minute.

The second half resumed with the same intensity, but the tension rose, especially after Simba attacking midfielder Yusuph Kagoma was sent off for a second yellow card.

Berkane then took a numerical advantage and regained control of the game.

Stung to the quick, the home side continued to engage in skirmishes, but without any real threat to goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi.

 Yet, even with ten men down, Simba’s players gave the Berkanis a hard time, posing several threats.

Advertisement

Deliverance finally came in the 93rd minute thanks to Mamadou Lamine Camara, who scored the equaliser, in a closely contested duel, in a packed stadium, and under the eyes of Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the FRMF, as well as Walid Regragui, national coach. 

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Continue Reading

CAF Confederation Cup

Berkane’s coach determined to return with CAF Confederation Cup trophy

blank

Published

on

blank

RS Berkane head coach Moine Chaabani says his side is fully focused and prepared for Sunday’s second leg of the Confederation Cup final against Tanzania’s Simba SC, as they seek to secure a third continental title.

The Moroccan club takes a 2-0 lead into the return leg at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar following an early double from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlaoui in the first leg in Berkane.

Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, Chaabani emphasized that his players have left nothing to chance.

“We are focused on the match, and we must adapt to all circumstances, no matter how difficult,” he said during the pre-match press conference.

“We came here to play a 90-minute match, and there is no room for distraction.”

Advertisement

The Tunisian tactician, who led the team to last year’s final only to suffer defeat against Zamalek, underlined the hunger within the squad to go one step further this time.

“We have worked hard since that disappointment, and today we are even more determined to win the title and bring the cup back to Morocco.”

RS Berkane will be boosted by the availability of key players Haitham Manout and Paul Valery, although final decisions on their involvement will be made after the last training session.

“All players are present. The decision on their participation will depend on their readiness,” he added.

Chaabani also pointed to his side’s growing experience in navigating difficult African environments, saying they are mentally conditioned for the high-stakes occasion.

Advertisement

“We have a strong immune system to handle these conditions, and we will manage our physical effort according to the match’s progress,” he said.

“We hope to rise to the occasion and succeed in pleasing the Berkane fans, who always support us, to win the title.”

The return leg kicks off at 13:00 GMT on Sunday. A draw or even a narrow defeat by a one-goal margin will be enough for Berkane to lift the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup trophy.

-CAF

 Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Advertisement

Continue Reading

CAF Confederation Cup

Excitement builds ahead of CAF Confederation Cup return leg

blank

Published

on

blank

Following a 2-0 win for RS Berkane over Simba SC in the first leg of the 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup Final in Berkane, Morocco, attention will turn to the return fixture on the island of Zanzibar this Sunday.

The match will be played at Amaan Stadium at 16h00 local time (13h00 GMT) and will be live across all CAF’s broadcast partners, including Azam Media, beIN Sport, Canal+, SuperSport, SABC and several other global platforms.

RS Berkane go to the second leg with the advantage after early goals from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlaoui at home, but Simba SC have shown plenty of fighting spirit already this campaign and will be confident of overturning the deficit. 

The winners of this year’s  CAF Confederation Cup will be awarded a new trophy that will be unveiled later this week.

CAF and host club Simba SC are working closely together to ensure that the event in Zanzibar is a success.

Advertisement

 Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Continue Reading

Most Viewed