Simba's title dream in jeopardy after first-leg defeat to RS Berkane in CAF Confederation Cup

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's representatives in the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup, Simba SC, face a daunting task to clinch the title after suffering a 2-0 defeat to RS Berkane in the first leg of the final played on May 17, 2025, at Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco.

Simba now need a 3-0 victory in the second leg, scheduled for May 25, 2025, at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, to secure the championship. Alternatively, a 2-0 win would level the aggregate score and push the match into extra time. Should the deadlock persist, the winner will be decided via a penalty shootout.

In the first leg encounter, Simba conceded two goals within the opening 14 minutes in what was a high-intensity and dramatic match.

Defensive errors proved costly for the Tanzanian side. The first goal came as early as the 8th minute, when Mamadou Camara scored with a powerful header following a well-delivered corner kick by Hamza El Moussaoui.

Simba defenders failed to contain the tall Camara, who rose above them to connect with the set piece.

That early goal appeared to rattle Simba's players, handing the hosts a psychological advantage. RS Berkane capitalized on their momentum, adding a second goal in the 14th minute through Oussama Lamlioui, who finished calmly after receiving a pass from left-back Imad Riahi.

Despite the early setbacks, Simba regrouped and improved their defensive organization, effectively containing RS Berkane's attacking threat for the remainder of the match.

However, their troubles deepened in the 23rd minute when key defender Abdulrazack Hamza sustained an injury and had to be substituted.

Head coach Fadlu Davids brought on Che Malone Fondoh to fill the void in the backline.

Simba's first meaningful attacking attempt came just before halftime in the 45th minute, when Jean Ahoua unleashed a shot following a neat build-up involving Kibu Dennis and Shomari Kapombe, but the effort flew just over the bar.

In an attempt to inject energy into the attack, coach Davids made a tactical change at the start of the second half, replacing Kibu Dennis with Valentine Nouma.

The substitution yielded some positive impact, as Simba began pressing forward and disrupting RS Berkane's rhythm.

RS Berkane looked to extend their advantage but were denied a third goal in the 60th minute after Youssef Mehri’s effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The hosts remained dangerous on the break, with late chances falling to Issoufou Dayo and Mateus Santos, but Simba’s defense held firm to prevent further damage.

One of Simba's brightest moments in the second half came through Leonel Ateba, whose powerful shot was stopped by RS Berkane’s defender.

Despite Simba's efforts, they failed to register a single shot on target that truly threatened the opposition's goal.

On the other hand, RS Berkane managed three shots on target, converting two into goals.

With the return leg approaching, Simba will need to deliver a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit and keep their continental title hopes alive.