A controversy over the venue for the CAF Confederation Cup final second leg has overshadowed the highly anticipated clash between Tanzania’s Simba SC and Morocco’s RS Berkane, set to take place this Sunday at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Simba, who trail 2-0 from the first leg in Morocco, had hoped to stage the return fixture at the 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. However, an inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared the national stadium unfit to host the title decider due to poor pitch conditions.
Instead, CAF directed that the second leg be played at the smaller 15,000-seat Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar — a three-hour ferry ride from Dar es Salaam. The decision was met with disappointment from Simba, who had previously been forced to play their semi-final against South Africa’s Stellenbosch in the same venue after CAF raised concerns about the Dar es Salaam pitch.
Simba’s billionaire owner, Mohammed Dewji, made a direct appeal to CAF President Patrice Motsepe to reconsider, but the African football body stood firm. In a statement, Dewji expressed frustration over the ruling, saying, “This outcome is disheartening, not only for Simba but for our supporters. It does not feel fair.”
Nonetheless, he urged the team to rise to the occasion: “We go to Zanzibar not by choice, but by duty—with unity, purpose, and pride.”
Meanwhile, RS Berkane’s arrival in Zanzibar was reportedly marred by logistical issues, including extended delays at the airport due to passport control problems. The Moroccan club described the reception as “chaotic” and “unacceptable” for a continental final. They also noted the absence of a formal welcome or logistical assistance from their hosts.
Berkane head into the second leg with a comfortable two-goal cushion, courtesy of early strikes from Mamadou Camara and top scorer Oussama Lamlioui in the first leg. However, head coach Mouin Chaabani remains cautious, noting, “A two-goal victory in a first leg is never completely comfortable. An away goal can change everything.”
Simba coach Fadlu Davids acknowledged the psychological impact of not playing in front of their usual 60,000-strong home crowd. “We conceded early goals in Morocco not because we weren’t tactically prepared, but because we weren’t mentally ready. We must be sharper in Zanzibar,” he said.
The stakes are high: the winner of Africa’s second-tier continental competition will take home $2 million, while the runner-up will earn $1 million.
Berkane are chasing a third Confederation Cup title after victories in 2020 and 2022, while Simba are eyeing a historic first.
