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.