فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Berkane: Morocco’s RS Berkane secured a crucial 2-0 victory over their Tanzanian visitors Simba SC in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final. The match took place on Saturday at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane, bringing the Moroccan side a significant step closer to clinching the continental title before the anticipated return leg.
Strong Start and Decisive Goals
The “Orange Boys” successfully absorbed Simba SC’s high pressure in the opening minutes of the match, quickly establishing their offensive rhythm. Just eight minutes into the game, Malian defender Mamadou Camara opened the scoring for RS Berkane with a precise header, capitalizing on a well-executed corner kick by Hamza El Moussaoui.
Not content with just one goal, RS Berkane’s players immediately sought to extend their lead. In the 14th minute, Oussama El Mellouki doubled the score with a brilliant individual effort, skillfully dribbling past two Simba defenders after a decisive pass from Imad Rhioui, sending the ball into the net and igniting the enthusiasm of the Berkane fans.
The Moroccan team, champions of the 2020 and 2022 editions of the competition, maintained a slight possession advantage during the first half-hour, attempting to exploit spaces behind the Simba players who diligently tried to reduce the deficit. However, RS Berkane’s defense remained solid, denying the opponent any clear scoring opportunities.
Attempts to Increase Lead and VAR Disallowed Goal
In the second half, coach Mouaine Chaabani’s men continued their pursuit of more goals. The 56th minute saw the first dangerous attempt of the half through midfielder Yassine El Bahri, but the effort did not result in a goal.
The Municipal Stadium in Berkane erupted in celebration after Youssef Mehri scored what appeared to be RS Berkane’s third goal in the 60th minute. However, Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho disallowed the goal after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, a decision that sparked some controversy.
To inject new blood and invigorate the attack, coach Chaabani made substitutions, bringing in Mohamed El Morabit for Imad Rhioui and Youssef Ez Zaghoudi for Ayoub Khairi. Brazilian player Matheus Santos was also introduced, replacing El Morabit who suffered an injury.
Despite fortifying their defense in the final minutes, the “Orange Boys” attempted to add a third goal that would give them more comfort for the return leg scheduled for May 25 in Tanzania. However, their efforts were not converted into goals, ending the match with RS Berkane securing a 2-0 victory.
Teams’ Journey to the Final
It is worth noting that RS Berkane qualified for the final after overcoming CS Constantine of Algeria in the semi-finals with an aggregate score of 4-1. Simba SC of Tanzania reached the final by defeating South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC with an aggregate score of 1-0. RS Berkane now looks to maintain their lead in the return leg and clinch their third title in the competition.
