Recently crowned Moroccan champions for the first time in their history, RSB now hopes to cap off this exceptional season with a third continental title, following their triumphs in 2020 and 2022. Last year’s final loss to Zamalek still lingers in memory, and Brahim El Bahraoui and his teammates are determined to seize this new opportunity to erase that disappointment.
However, Simba SC is driven by a hunger for glory. Runners-up in the old CAF Cup in 1993, the Dar es Salaam-based club dreams of claiming the first continental title in its history. Led by South African coach Fadlu Davids, the Tanzanians approach the clash with ambition but also caution.
Berkane’s journey to this final has been impressive: a resounding preliminary round win over Benin’s Dadjè FC (7-0 aggregate), total dominance of Group B with 16 points and only one goal conceded, followed by back-to-back 1-0 victories over ASEC Mimosas, and a crushing 4-0 first-leg win over CS Constantine in the semifinals. A narrow 1-0 loss in the second leg didn’t slow the Orange squad’s momentum.
“A final is always a tricky match, but we need to build our confidence at home,” said coach Moein Chaâbani. “If we want to reach our goal, every player will need to raise their game. The return leg in Tanzania will be anything but easy,” he emphasized.
On their side, Simba SC has had a commendable path to the final. After a goalless draw against Al Ahli Tripoli, they overturned the tie in the return leg (3-1), then topped Group A with 13 points. In the quarterfinals, they easily dispatched Al Masry with identical 2-0 wins, then eliminated South Africa’s Stellenbosch in the semifinals thanks to a narrow 1-0 first-leg victory and a solid 0-0 draw in the return.
Fully aware of the challenge ahead, Fadlu Davids remains determined. Having previously faced RSB while serving as assistant coach at Raja Casablanca, he is well aware of the Moroccan club’s strength and experience. “We know what to expect. Berkane is a very competitive team with a winning culture on the African stage. We’re preparing seriously—mentally and tactically,” he said.
And he concluded: “It’s an honor for Simba to be in the final, but we know the atmosphere in Berkane will be electric. We’ll have to be ready to suffer if we want to pull off the upset.”