Dar es Salaam. On Moroccan soil, inside a stadium notorious for being unforgiving to many African clubs, Tanzania’s Simba SC on Saturday night faced a formidable challenge from RS Berkane and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final.
The Red Lions conceded both goals within the first 14 minutes of the match. Mamadou Camara opened the scoring with a header in the 8th minute, followed by a goal from Oussama Lamlioui.
This result places Simba SC in a perilous position, needing a minimum 3-0 victory in the return leg to win the title for the first time in the club’s history.
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to match statistics from May 17, 2025, Berkane were technically and tactically superior.
They enjoyed 52 percent possession compared to Simba’s 48 percent, fired 14 shots (six on target), while Simba managed just nine attempts without a single shot on target, highlighting a lack of creativity and sharpness in the attacking department.
Additionally, Berkane created one clear-cut chance, while Simba failed to register any, further emphasizing their struggle to generate meaningful scoring opportunities.
This underperformance suggests that head coach Fadlu Davids’ tactics fell short against a well-organized opponent.
Reasons Behind the Defeat
Lack of Penetrative Attacks: Simba failed to register a single shot on target, evidence of inefficiency in creating and finishing chances. Key attackers like Leonel Ateba, Jean Ahoua, Kibu Denis, and Ellie Mpanzu appeared isolated and unsupported in the final third.
Berkane’s Home Dominance: RS Berkane boasts a formidable home record, not only in the Confederation Cup but also in domestic competitions.
They leverage crowd support, pitch familiarity, and tactical discipline to full effect.
Tactical Shortcomings: Simba’s 4-2-3-1 formation struggled under Berkane’s midfield pressure. The midfield failed to link effectively with the forwards, leaving the attack starved of service.
The Uphill Task Ahead
Simba now face the daunting task of overturning a 2-0 deficit in the return leg to be played in either Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. It’s a monumental challenge, but not impossible.
CAF history shows that few teams have managed such comebacks in the final, and it would require:
Impeccable Defensive Discipline: Conceding an away goal would virtually end Simba’s hopes. The backline must be airtight.
Creative and Rapid Offense: Players like Mpanzu, Kibu, and Ahoua must lead with flair and pace, creating chances and converting them clinically.
Fan Power: Whether at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium or New Amaan Stadium, Simba will need the full force of their supporters to create an electric, intimidating atmosphere.
Is a Miracle Possible?
Statistically, Simba’s chances after a 2-0 away loss are slim. But football is unpredictable.
Let’s not forget they came back from a similar situation in the quarter-finals against Al Masry, forcing penalties after reversing a 2-0 deficit.
The challenge is massive, but history is written by those bold enough to defy the odds.
With the right mental, tactical, and physical preparation, Simba SC could script an extraordinary chapter, becoming Tanzania’s first-ever CAF Confederation Cup champions.
The return leg next weekend is more than a final. It’s a battle for pride, legacy, and national honor.
When the time comes, all eyes will be on them. The only question is: Can they do it?
