RS Berkane were crowned the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup champions on Sunday evening after a 1-1 draw against Simba SC, sealing the title on aggregate in a thrilling and emotionally charged final.The Moroccan side, which led 2-0 from the first leg, showed remarkable resilience and experience to withstand Simba’s early pressure and claim their third CAF Confederation Cup title, having previously won in 2020 and 2022.##NAJAVA_MECA_8945544##With a passionate crowd behind them at the Amaan Stadium, Simba came out flying. The Tanzanian giants took the lead in the 17th minute through Joshua Mutale, who calmly finished after a smart assist from Elie Mpanzu. The early goal lifted Simba’s hopes of overturning the deficit and sparked a wave of attacks.Steven Mukwala and Shomari Kapombe kept pressing forward, testing the RS Berkane defence. But the Moroccan outfit, led by goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi, remained composed and unshaken despite the onslaught.Cristiano Ronaldo has got an offer from AfricaJust three minutes after the restart, Simba suffered another setback when Yusuph Kagoma was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Down to ten men, Simba’s uphill task became even steeper.Simba thought they had found a crucial second goal midway through the second half, but VAR ruled out Mukwala’s effort in the 73rd minute for offside — a heartbreaker for the home side and a massive relief for Berkane.Gor Mahia edge past Murang’a Seal to punch Mozzart Bet Cup final ticketDespite having the numerical advantage, RS Berkane were more cautious, opting to defend better instead of going all out in search of goals. In the third minute of stoppage time, Soumaila Sidibe delivered the knockout punch with a superb strike from a tight angle, levelling the score on the night and all but ending Simba’s dream.That goal proved to be decisive. With the aggregate score in their favour, RS Berkane held on through the final minutes to secure their place in history with a third Confederation Cup triumph.Their loss means Gor Mahia remain the only East African side with a CAF Confederation title to their name. Rabat DL: Beatrice Chebet runs second-fastest 3000m race in history
