Simba make it or watch CAF title dreams slip away

Dar es Salaam. All eyes and ears today, May 25, 2025, will be on the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, where Tanzanian giants Simba SC will be looking to make history by becoming the first team from Tanzania to lift the CAF Confederation Cup.

Simba face Moroccan side RS Berkane in the second leg of the final from 4:00 pm East African Time. The Msimbazi Street-based outfit trail 2-0 from the first leg in Morocco and will need to pull off a remarkable comeback to be crowned champions. Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi will grace the occasion as the guest of honour.

The winner of the CAF Confederation Cup title will walk away with $2 million (approximately Sh5.4 billion), while the runners-up will receive $1 million (approximately Sh2.7 billion).

To further motivate Simba players, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged a Sh30 million cash reward for every goal scored by the team in today's final—a gesture that has already lifted morale in the camp.

Officiating and officials

The high-stakes clash will be officiated by Beida Dahane from Mauritania, who will be assisted by Jerson Dos Santos of Angola and Adou Desire N'goh from Ivory Coast. The fourth official will be Abdel Aziz Bouh, also from Mauritania.

A total of 12 match officials have been assigned to the encounter. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be overseen by Issa Sy of Senegal, with assistance from Akhona Makalima of South Africa and Arsenio Maringule of Mozambique.

Other key officials appointed for the final include Mohamed Yonis, who will serve as the Match Commissioner, overseeing the smooth organization and compliance with CAF regulations during the game.

Helly Zafinimanga has been designated as the General Coordinator, responsible for ensuring all logistical and operational aspects of the match are in place.

Djamel Halmoudi will act as the Referee Assessor, evaluating the performance of the officiating team and ensuring they maintain the required standards of CAF.

The Media Officers for the match are Ahmed Hussein and Clifford Ndimbo, who will manage all communications and media-related activities, including press coordination and official statements.

Security will be under the supervision of Amr Salman and Joe Sakaumba, both appointed as Security Officers to maintain order and ensure the safety of players, officials, and spectators.

Rasha Elghorour will serve as the Assistant Coordinator, supporting event operations and ensuring seamless coordination among different departments.

Finally, Gift Macha has been appointed as the Broadcasting Manager, overseeing all television and radio transmission logistics to ensure the final is aired smoothly across multiple platforms and reaches audiences across Africa and beyond.

A Nation Holds Its breath

For Tanzanian football stakeholders, it will either be a historic day of celebration or heartbreak, depending on Simba’s performance.

To win the title, Simba must secure at least a 2-0 victory to level the aggregate score and push the match to a penalty shootout. A 3-0 win would see them clinch the title outright.

The tie has captured the attention of football fans across the African continent, many of whom are eager to see if Simba can write a new chapter in Tanzanian football history.

This is not Simba’s first attempt at continental glory. In 1993, they reached the final of the then CAF Cup, but lost 2-0 on aggregate to Stella Adjamé of Ivory Coast.

After holding their opponents to a goalless draw in Abidjan, Simba were defeated 2-0 at the National Stadium (now Uhuru Stadium) in Dar es Salaam in a match that was attended by the then President, late Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

Today marks Tanzania’s second appearance in a CAF Confederation Cup final. The first came in the 2022/2023 season, when Simba’s archrivals, Young Africans (Yanga), lost the final on away goals to USM Alger after a 2-1 defeat at home and a 1-0 win away.

Simba’s ready for redemption

Simba head coach Fadlu Davids has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to overturn the deficit and bring the trophy home.

“My players are ready to make history. We respect RS Berkane, and the first leg taught us valuable lessons. We've corrected our mistakes and are ready to give everything,” said Davids.

He acknowledged the need for focus and determination, especially against a side with Berkane’s pedigree. “I believe in my players. They understand the weight of this moment. It’s their time to make Tanzanians proud.”

Davids noted that Simba’s shaky start in the first leg—where they conceded two goals within the opening 14 minutes—was a result of nerves.

“Yes, we were unsettled in the first 20 minutes, which is understandable for a young team playing in their first final. But we recovered and created good chances.”

Simba’s assistant captain, Shomari Kapombe, echoed the coach’s sentiments, stating that the team is fully prepared for today’s match. “We are focused and motivated. We know what’s at stake and we are going all out,” he said.

RS Berkane determined to defend lead

On the other side, RS Berkane head coach Moine Chaabani is determined to see his team maintain their advantage and lift the trophy for a third time in the club’s history.

“We are here to play 90 minutes of focused football. There’s no room for distraction,” said the Tunisian tactician. Chaabani, who also guided RS Berkane to last year’s final (which they lost to Zamalek), believes this year's squad is hungrier and better prepared.

“Since that disappointment, we’ve worked even harder. Today, we are determined to bring the cup back to Morocco.” RS Berkane have been boosted by the availability of key players Haitham Manout and Paul Valeryn.

“All players are here. Their participation will depend on their final fitness assessments,” he said.

Chaabani also pointed out his team’s experience in handling pressure in African competitions, noting their ability to stay composed under challenging conditions.

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