The 2024–25 CAF Confederation Cup final is set to ignite African football passions as Moroccan giants RS Berkane prepare to face Tanzanian challengers Simba SC in a highly anticipated two-legged showdown. The first leg, taking place on May 17, 2025, at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, promises a thrilling clash between experience and ambition. RS Berkane, two-time champions with a strong continental pedigree, will look to assert their dominance on home soil.
Meanwhile, Simba SC, making their debut in a Confederation Cup final, arrive with determination and resilience, eager to make history for Tanzanian football. This opening encounter will be crucial in setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the African club season.
Match Details
- Date and Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 19:00 GMT
- Venue: Berkane Municipal Stadium, Berkane, Morocco
- Teams: RS Berkane (Morocco) vs Simba SC (Tanzania)
- Competition Stage: First leg of the final
- Broadcast: Supersport
Knockout Stage Format: What You Need to Know
The knockout stage involved 8 teams battling it out over two-legged ties—meaning each matchup features a home and away game. The team with the highest combined score from both matches advances to the next round. If the aggregate score is tied, the away goals rule is used to decide who progresses. And if teams are still level, the winner is decided by penalties—no extra time is played.
This format ensures every match is fiercely competitive, with teams pushing hard for crucial away goals or solid home performances.
Quarter-Finals: Clash of Experience vs Ambition
The quarter-finals featured some gripping contests. One of the most talked-about ties was between South African debutants Stellenbosch FC and Egyptian football heavyweights Zamalek SC. Stellenbosch, representing South Africa for the first time at this stage, took on Zamalek at Cape Town Stadium. It was a classic encounter of experience versus fresh ambition, with Stellenbosch eager to prove themselves against one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.
Another blockbuster quarter-final saw ASEC Mimosas from Ivory Coast face off against RS Berkane of Morocco. ASEC Mimosas are former CAF Champions League winners, bringing plenty of pedigree to the contest, while RS Berkane are known for their strong performances in the Confederation Cup. This tie was tightly fought, highlighting the growing competitiveness of African club football.
Semi-Finals and Road to the Final
Following these fierce battles, the semi-finals took place in late April, setting the stage for a final showdown. After a series of thrilling matches, RS Berkane from Morocco and Simba SC from Tanzania emerged as the finalists for the 2024–25 season.
The final promises to be a fantastic clash: RS Berkane are two-time Confederation Cup champions (2020 and 2022), with the experience and tactical discipline that comes from winning at this level. On the other hand, Simba SC, who have reached their first-ever Confederation Cup final, bring ambition and determination, aiming to make history for Tanzanian football.
Final First Leg: RS Berkane vs Simba SC
The first leg of the final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 19:00 GMT. It will be hosted at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. RS Berkane will look to use their home advantage and solid defensive game to build a strong lead.
Coached by Moein Chaâbani, RS Berkane are known for their tactical discipline and solid backline, which has helped them maintain a formidable home record in continental competition. This gives them a big boost as they face Simba SC.
Simba SC, coached by Fadlu Davids, face a tough challenge playing away in Morocco. Their strategy will focus on defensive resilience and mental toughness to withstand the hostile atmosphere at Berkane’s stadium. For Simba, this match is about securing a positive result that keeps their dream of lifting the trophy alive when the second leg is played in Tanzania.
What This Final Means for African Football
This final is more than just a football match—it’s a story of ambition, experience, and continental pride. RS Berkane are aiming to cement their place as one of Africa’s top club teams with a third Confederation Cup title. Meanwhile, Simba SC is making history as the first Tanzanian club to reach this stage, inspiring a new generation of football fans and players in East Africa.
The 2024–25 CAF Confederation Cup has already delivered memorable moments, with thrilling matches, dramatic finishes, and passionate supporters across the continent. The final between RS Berkane and Simba SC will be a fitting climax to this exciting season of African club football.
Check also: CAF Champions League vs CAF Confederation Cup: Understanding the Differences
