By: Kwame Bediako
RS Berkane has been crowned the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 champions after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Zanzibar, securing the trophy on aggregate. The Moroccan side demonstrated resilience and determination in a tense and emotional final, overcoming an early setback to claim their third title in this competition, following previous victories in 2020 and 2022.
The final showdown saw Simba SC take an early lead with an impressive goal from Joshua Mutale in the 17th minute, after a well-timed assist from Elie Mpanzu. The home crowd erupted in cheers, fueling hopes of a comeback for the Tanzanian team. Simba continued to threaten the Moroccan defense, with Steven Mukwala and Shomari Kapombe testing goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi’s resolve.
Notwithstanding Simba’s pressure and their goal, RS Berkane remained composed and resilient. A pivotal moment came in the 73rd minute when VAR ruled out Mukwala’s goal for offside, keeping RS Berkane’s advantage on aggregate intact. The match grew increasingly tense, especially after Simba’s Yusuph Kagoma received a second yellow card in the 50th minute, resulting in a red card and reducing the Tanzanian side to 10 men.
Simba pushed desperately for a second goal, but Soumaila Sidibe emerged as the hero for RS Berkane. He scored a crucial equalizer from a tight angle with a right-footed shot, beating goalkeeper Moussa Camara and silencing the home crowd. That goal effectively sealed the outcome, as Simba’s hopes of overturning the aggregate deficit disappeared.
This victory marks RS Berkane’s third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title, solidifying their status as a dominant force in African club football. Having lifted the trophy in 2020, 2022 and now 2025, the Moroccan club continues to build its legacy as one of the most successful teams in the continent’s club competition history.