Tanzanian giants Simba have an uphill task in their quest for a maiden CAF Confederation Cup title after suffering a 2-0 defeat to RS Berkane of Morocco in the first leg of the final played on Saturday evening at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.The defeat means that Simba will have to win the return match, set for 25 May, by three unanswered goals to join Gor Mahia in the list of East African clubs to have ever laid hands on the crown.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsBacked by a raucous home crowd, RS Berkane made their intentions clear from the onset, applying early pressure that yielded results within the first 10 minutes.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931531##A pinpoint corner from Hamza El Moussaoui in the eighth minute found Mamadou Camara, who rose highest to head home from close range and give the home side a dream start.Just six minutes later, Oussama Lamlaoui doubled Berkane’s lead with a well-taken finish after latching onto an incisive pass from Imad RiahiTo their credit, Simba pushed forward in search of an away goal, with Leonel Ateba and Elie Mpanzu both going close, but were repeatedly denied by a resolute Berkane defense and timely interventions by goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani.Harambee Stars forward scores against Celtic but misses UEFA Conference League qualificationThe Tanzanian side was dealt a blow midway through the first half when Abdulrazack Hamza was forced off with an injury, adding to the visitors’ frustrations.In the second half, 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.Court makes decision on AFC Leopards’ appeal against Mozzart Bet Cup expulsionAs tempers flared and physicality intensified in the closing minutes, both sides made a flurry of substitutions to keep the momentum alive heading into the decisive second leg.While Simba will be gunning for their first continental title, Berkane will be seeking to reclaim it and stretch their wins to three in the competition.
