RSB Berkane claim CAF Confed gold in Zanzibar

by Staff Reporter

Sunday May 25, 2025. 17:19

Despite a valiant effort by Simba on their own patch, it was RSB Berkane who went on to win the 2025 CAF Confederations Cup following a 3-1 aggregate win at the Amaan Stadium on Sunday evening.

Simba dominated the opening exchanges of the match, with Joshua Mutale being at the crux of every forward move by the home side.

With Berkane sitting back, Simba immediately showcased their attacking intent during the opening quarter.

Then, in a moment that brought Simba supporters to their feet, Mutale found the back of the net in the 17th minute as the motivated star was found unmarked at the far post.

Simba continued to take the game to RSB Berkane throughout the first-half, while the cooling break provided the visitors with a bit of respite amid sustained periods of defensive pressure.

Despite Simba’s attacking zest, Berkane caused the home side a couple of problems, particularly during aerial battles. Nonetheless, the half ended with Simba leading at the break.

Simba were forced to troubleshoot in the 50th minute after Yusuph Kagoma received his second yellow of the match.

The home side thought they had levelled the aggregate score in the 73rd minute, however, after VAR check for offside, Shomari Kapombe’s effort was subsequently chalked off.

With the travelling side let off the hook, Simba were dealt with a massive blow during injury time as Soumaila Sidibe scored an equalising goal in the 93rd minute to take the aggregate score 3-1 in Berkane’s favour.

Nevertheless, the fight back was not in Simba’s favour as Berkane’s late goal saw the Moroccan outfit lift the new CAF Confederations Cup trophy.

Simba: (1) 1 (Mutale 17′)

RSB Berkane: (0) 1 (Sidibe 93’)

RSB Berkane win 3-1 on aggregate

Simba: Camara, Kapombe, Karaboue, Malon (Ateba 84’), Mohamed (Nouma 84’), Kagoma, Ngoma, Ahoua, Mpanzu Kibisawala, Mutale (Denis 71’), Mukalwa

RSB Berkane: Munir, El Moussaoui, Tahif, Dayo, Assal, Camara (Sidibe 78’), Riahi (Bassene 59’), Labhiri, Khairi (El Mourabit 68’), Mehri, Lamlaoui (Zghoudi 78’)