SIMBA will face hosts RS Berkane in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup final tonight.

The highly anticipated clash is set to kick off at 10 PM at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, located in the northeastern Moroccan city of Berkane.

The Tanzanian side have exceeded expectations by reaching their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup final. Their journey has been marked by grit, determination, and defensive solidity. 

After finishing top of their group with 13 points, it was in the knockout stages that Simba’s resilience truly came to the fore.

In the quarter-finals, Simba overcame a 2-0 away defeat to Egypt's Al Masry with a spirited performance at home. Backed by their passionate fans, they responded with a 2-0 win, eventually advancing with a 4-1 victory in the penalty shootout.

The semi-final clash against South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC was another testament to their defensive discipline. A narrow 1-0 home win, followed by a composed 0-0 draw in Durban, ensured their progression to the final.

Under the guidance of head coach Fadlu Davids, Simba will rely heavily on Tanzania international Kibu Dennis, the team’s top scorer with three goals in the tournament. 

He will be supported in attack by the pacey winger Ellie Mpanzu and attacking midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua.

Defensively, coach Davids is expected to field a solid back four comprising Abdulrazack Hamza, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, and either Che Malone or Chamou Karaboue. 

Moussa Camara is expected to start between the posts.

On the other side, RS Berkane are no strangers to this stage, having won the Confederation Cup twice, most recently in 2022 against Orlando Pirates. 

Their dominant 4-1 aggregate semi-final victory over CS Constantine, including a 4-0 first-leg rout at home, highlighted their attacking strength.

Berkane’s success is built on fluid, efficient attacking play, with players like Youssef Elfahli and Issoufou Dayo posing constant threats. 

Their formidable home form and the vibrant atmosphere at the Berkane Municipal Stadium will be significant assets tonight.

The Moroccan giants are aiming for a third CAF Confederation Cup title, which would tie them with the current record holders, having previously triumphed in 2020 and 2022.

Coach Moine Chaabani (pictured) will be looking to his talisman, 29-year-old Moroccan international Oussama Lamlioui, to lead the charge. 

Lamlioui has scored five goals and provided one assist in eight appearances, underlining his importance to Berkane’s title hopes.