Berkane survive Constantine pressure to reach TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final

CS Constantine secured a 1-0 victory over RS Berkane in the second leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup semi-final on Sunday, but it was the Moroccan side who advanced to the final courtesy of a dominant first-leg advantage.

At the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui in Algeria, Abdennour Belhocini’s 47th-minute header gave Constantine hope of an improbable comeback.

However, the Algerian side were left to rue their heavy 4-0 defeat in the first leg, which ultimately proved insurmountable.

Constantine started aggressively, pushing Berkane deep into their own half and creating a flurry of chances, particularly in the second half.

Brahim Dib came closest to adding to their tally, striking the post midway through the second period as Constantine desperately sought to overturn the aggregate deficit.

Berkane, two-time winners of the competition, managed the game with experience and discipline despite coming under relentless pressure.

Goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi pulled off several crucial saves to deny Constantine a larger winning margin on the night.

The match was marred by injuries, with Berkane’s Youssef Zghoudi and Adil Tahif both forced off in the second half. Yet despite the setbacks, the Moroccan outfit showed resilience to hold off Constantine’s late surge.

The Algerians continued to press in the final moments, with Tosin Omoyele heading narrowly wide and Chahine Belaouel forcing a save from close range during stoppage time. But Berkane stood firm to ensure their passage to the final.

RS Berkane will now meet Simba SC of Tanzania in the final, after Simba edged Stellenbosch of South Africa over two legs.

For Constantine, the victory on the night was a small consolation after a brave but ultimately fruitless attempt to overturn the first-leg deficit.

The CAF Confederation Cup final promises an exciting showdown, as Berkane seek a third continental title while Simba chase a historic first.