The 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup final ended in heartbreak for Simba SC and celebration for RS Berkane, as the Moroccan outfit secured a 3-1 aggregate victory to lift their third title in dramatic fashion on Sunday evening.
Despite being forced to play their home leg away from Dar es Salaam due to stadium renovations, Simba SC came out fighting at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, determined to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.
Fadlu Davids’ men made a dream start when Joshua Mutale found the net in the 17th minute. The forward latched onto a precise cross from Elie Mpanzu and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner to give Simba a glimmer of hope.
The Tanzanians pushed for a second, with goalkeeper Moussa Camara making crucial saves at the other end to keep Berkane at bay. But Simba’s momentum took a hit early in the second half when Yusuph Kagoma was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for a reckless challenge.
Simba thought they had doubled their lead moments later when Steven Mukwala headed home, sending the crowd into wild celebration. However, the goal was swiftly ruled out for offside after a VAR review, dealing another blow to Simba’s comeback hopes.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, RS Berkane struck the killer blow. Soumaila Sidibe pounced on a loose ball inside the area and fired a low shot from a tight angle to level the match on the night and confirm Berkane’s 3-1 aggregate win.
The Moroccan side celebrated their third CAF Confederation Cup triumph, having previously lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2022, further cementing their status as one of the continent’s premier cup sides.
For Simba SC, it was a case of what might have been — a gallant effort overshadowed by missed chances, disciplinary lapses, and the heartbreak of a disallowed goal that could have changed the tie’s complexion.
Final Score (Second Leg): Simba SC 1-1 RS Berkane
Aggregate: RS Berkane 3-1 Simba SC
