Moroccan heavyweights RS Berkane staged a classy act to earn a two-goal advantage over Fadlu Davids’ Simba SC in first-leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final.
They won 2-0 in a pulsating encounter played at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco on Saturday night. As expected, the first-leg of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup final delivered fireworks.
For RS Berkane, it has been about asserting dominance and collecting a third continental title. RS Berkane are enjoying a historical season, having already accounted for their first top-flight Moroccan Botola Pro title.
Moreover, they have appeared in four of the last six Confederation Cup finals, winning the 2019/20 and 2021/22 editions.
For Simba, it’s a chance to finally claim their first major continental trophy and Fadlu Davids’ time to write a new chapter in his growing coaching profile.
FADLU DAVIDS’ SIMBA SC FACE A HERCULEAN TASK IN THE SECOND-LEG
However, in this one, the Tanzanian giants were simply humbled. RS Berkane started the match with so much impetus and were thrust into the lead by Senegalese midfielder Mamadou Camara after eight minutes.
Six minutes later, Oussama Lamlaoui doubled their lead, asserting their intentions of a smash and grab of the coveted title.
Berkane kept their momentum until the break as Simba SC tried hard to come back into the game. Simba SC were rejuvenated in the second-half, but all their attacking moves were thwarted easily by the RS Berkane defence.
Undoubtedly, Davids and his Simba SC now face a mammoth task in the second-leg. It will be played on the 25th of May.
Simba SC’s road to the final has been less flashy but equally impressive, as they knocked out equally exceptional teams. They beat CS Constantine, CS Sfaxien, Bravos do Maqui and Al Masry.
Davids’ team also edged Betway Premiership outfit Stellenbosch FC in what was a shrewd and tactical battle over two legs. As such, they will hope to rise like a phoenix and win this coveted title.
RELATED STORY: What makes Rulani the ‘perfect fit’ for Pirates? Fadlu Davids explains