CAF Confederation Cup
‘Yanga’-making YANGA FC of Tanzania say they are not done yet with Rivers United
Tanzania’s YANGA FC have realistically put a foot into the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup after their surprised 2-0 away defeat of Rivers United in Uyo on Sunday.
It was YANGA’s first ever win on Nigerian soil since their first visit against Enugu Rangers in 1975.
Against Rivers United who had earlier beaten them over two legs in 2021 edition of the more prestigious Champions League, YANGA scored a second half brace through Fiston Mayele to earn a massive victory.
They will now have all the advantages heading into weekend’s home tie in Dar es Salaam, where they will be staring at a first ever continental semi-final appearance.
Their coach, Nasreddine Nabi remarked that the team would not be carried away by the away victory.
“I am delighted to win because it is not easy to come to Nigeria and win. We played well and took our chances, but the game is far from over.
“We still have the second leg and we need to do even better to ensure we qualify.”
Mayele broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when he was picked out by a brilliant through ball from skipper Bakari Mwamnyeto.
The Congolese import ran to the pass before hitting it past the keeper first time.
The same pair was to work together for the second goal scored nine minutes from time, this time Mwamnyeto passing back a recycled ball from a set-piece to Mayele who made no mistake with the second goal.
The Tanzanian giants were rewarded for being the most adventurous forward and they had chances to score even from the first half.
The best of the opening 45 saw Mayele square through a ball to Stephane Aziz Ki, but the latter’s shot from close range was blocked by the keeper.
Rivers had some chances too and their best fell on skipper Nwagua Nakeberi who was put through on goal by Gideon Duru, but he could not guide the ball into the net with the keeper beaten at the backpost.
The Nigerians have their work cut out heading to Dar and they need to win at least 2-0 to stretch the game to penalties, or win by a margin of more than three goals.
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.
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.
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.
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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.”
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.
“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
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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.
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