RS Berkane took a significant stride towards clinching the CAF Confederation Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Tanzanian giants Simba SC in the first leg of the final, held at the intimidating Dades Stadium in Berkane.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe win not only gave the Moroccan side a vital first-leg cushion but also extended their incredible unbeaten streak in the competition to 49 matches, a testament to their consistency and tactical maturity under head coach Moïn Chaabani.From the onset, Berkane asserted their dominance, suffocating Simba with a performance built on fluid movement, intelligent positioning, and relentless pressing.CONFIRMED: Harambee Stars midfielder to feature in English League One next seasonSimba, who came into the fixture as underdogs despite their formidable domestic record, looked overwhelmed, particularly in the first half, where they were left chasing shadows for long spells.First Half: Fluidity and Overloads Break Simba’s ShapeChaabani deployed a highly adaptive and fluid 4-3-3 system that morphed into different structures in and out of possession.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931535##The defensive line consisted of Abdelhak Asaal, Hamza El Moussaoui, Issoufou Dayo, and Adil Tahif, with Mohamed Munir starting between the sticks.In midfield, Mamadou Lamine Camara operated as the deepest pivot, flanked by Ayoub Khairi and Yassine Labhiri, both of whom carried dual responsibilities, orchestrating play and pushing forward to attack the half-spaces.Up front, Imad Riahi led the line with Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlioui cutting inside from wide positions.Mashemeji Derby date confirmedBerkane’s front three often inverted, with Mehri and Lamlioui tucking inside to create central overloads.This not only created numerical superiority in midfield, often outnumbering Simba’s double pivot of Ngoma and Kagoma, but also forced Simba’s fullbacks, Kapombe and Husseini, to abandon their wide defensive zones to track inside.In turn, Berkane’s fullbacks, El Moussaoui and Tahif, were released into acres of space on the flanks, consistently arriving late into advanced positions to deliver dangerous crosses.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931497##Moreover, the fluidity of the system allowed Labhiri and Khairi to exploit the channels. Their diagonal runs between fullbacks and centre-backs often went unchecked, further stretching Simba’s defensive shape and creating multiple crossing scenarios.This positional interchanging confused Simba’s defensive line, which struggled to maintain compactness or coherent marking assignments.The first goal came from one such moment of superiority. In the eighth minute, Berkane capitalised on a set-piece situation where Camara, symbolic of the team’s aerial dominance, rose highest to nod home from a corner, underlining their physical and tactical edge.Tusker FC head coach posts cryptic message after 7-1 loss to SofapakaPressing Traps and Tactical Discipline Deny SimbaChaabani’s tactical discipline did not end with attacking patterns. Berkane implemented a well-coordinated high press aimed at dismantling Simba’s attempts to build from the back.By pressing Simba’s centre-backs and cutting off passing lanes to the midfield duo of Ngoma and Kagoma, Berkane forced the visitors into hurried clearances and frequent turnovers.In moments when Simba tried to exploit Berkane’s advanced fullbacks on the counter, the Moroccan side was equally prepared.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931709##Camara, who operated as a single pivot, would often drop into the backline, forming a temporary back five to neutralise Simba’s direct balls to Ateba or the wide threats of Kibu and Mpanzu.The wingers, too, were limited in space and time, as Berkane’s aggressive counter-press swarmed any Simba player attempting to transition quickly.Berkane’s second goal, a textbook example of pressing traps, arrived from precisely such a moment. Simba’s attempt to play out from the back was intercepted by Riahi high up the pitch.Shabana rakes in Ksh 1.4m despite home loss to Mara SugarWithout hesitation, he laid off a perfectly weighted pass to Lamlioui, who coolly finished to double Berkane’s lead. It was a moment that encapsulated Berkane’s tactical intent: disrupt, dispossess, and devastate in transition.The Moroccan side continued to dictate play for the remainder of the first half, entering the break with a deserved 2-0 lead and a near-flawless defensive record.Simba failed to register a shot on target, ending the first half with an xG of 0.27 — a figure that spoke volumes about Berkane’s control.##NAJAVA_MECA_8935675##Second Half: Simba Adjust, But the Damage Is DoneDavid Fadlu responded after the interval with a tactical reshuffle aimed at reining in Berkane’s rampant fullbacks. While maintaining the 4-2-3-1 structure, he instructed his wingers, Kibu and Mpanzu, to track back and double up against Berkane’s overlapping fullbacks.This adjustment offered some defensive stability, significantly limiting Berkane’s ability to create overloads on the flanks.However, the new approach came at a cost. With both wide men pinned deeper, Simba’s transitions lost potency. Ahoua, the designated playmaker, was often isolated, and Ateba lacked support in central areas.Senate disappointed by Eldoret’s 64 Stadium delaysWhile Simba’s xG marginally dipped from 0.27 to 0.24 in the second half, Berkane also saw a drop from 0.63 to 0.51, reflecting the more cautious and structured play from both sides.Despite these improvements, Simba still failed to threaten meaningfully. Berkane remained compact, tactically astute, and physically superior, winning more duels and second balls.Their game management in the final phase was measured and professional, ensuring they retained control without overcommitting.##NAJAVA_MECA_8934391##Berkane’s Tactical Superiority Leaves Simba ChasingRS Berkane’s victory was the product of tactical intelligence, positional fluidity, and physical dominance. Chaabani’s 4-3-3 setup allowed for seamless transitions between phases of play, exploiting Simba’s defensive flaws through overloads, channel runs, and wide threats, while remaining structurally sound against the counter.The dual role of the advanced midfielders in working the half-spaces and supporting in wide areas added an extra layer of unpredictability, which Simba never truly adapted to.Meanwhile, the high press and counter-press nullified any attempts Simba made to grow into the game.Sour afternoon for Harambee Stars defenders in EuropeThough Fadlu’s second-half adjustments helped Simba restore some defensive order, the early tactical gulf and Berkane’s clinical execution ensured that the damage had already been done.Heading into the second leg, Simba will need to not only overturn a two-goal deficit but outthink a side that has mastered the tactical chessboard of African club football.Berkane, with one foot firmly on the podium, looks every bit the side destined for continental glory once again.
