CAF Confederation Cup
Enyimba hope against hopes for possible Zamalek upstage
Nigeria’s Enyimba are clinging to possibilities as they head to Cairo, Egypt for their last CAF Confederation Cup group match against leaders, Zamalek.
In the club’s website, Enyimba are looking up to possible upstage of the defending champions on Sunday and a likely slip by the other Egyptian club, Al Masry who will host Mozambique’s Associação Black Bulls.
Enyimba could have eased pressure and be in a commanding position for a quarter-final slot had they beaten Al-Masry in Uyo last Sunday.
But the club in an article on their website look optimistic of coming back with smiles after their Sunday’s match with Zamalek on Sunday.
“Our Journey to Zamalek: Another Shot at a Reason to Smile” Enyimba assured fans.
Their statement reads: “A lot has been said about our game against Al Masry, one which we should have won. The boys gave what they could, yet we still fell short of that victory. But like the Elephant, we will keep trudging on.
“Despite our challenges, we have shown a positive attitude recently and our second half in Uyo on Sunday holds a lot promise for us.
“We have an uphill task against Zamalek in Egypt, that which is surmountable. It is football anyway.
“We have had situations when we had our backs against the wall but we still found our way out to stand tall.
“In 2021, we were minutes away from leaving the competition if we did not beat Orlando Pirates in our last game, in front of our dear fans.
“In the dying moments of extra time, in the 95th minute to be precise, we scored, courtesy of a fine strike by Cyril Olisema.
“That never-say-die spirit is what we should hold on to as we journey to Egypt to face Zamalek who have already qualified for the next round.
“Our coach, Stanley Eguma has managed four games now and he has seen areas he needs to work on, at least in the short term to prepare the team for the big day against Zamalek.
“He has had to improvise on occasions; like Innocent Gabriel playing in midfield. He will find an approach which will help us to absorb the pressure in Egypt and go for victory.
“With Zamalek already through to the next round, they are no longer under pressure and it is an advantage for us.
“The players are aware of how big the challenge is and it is time to give it one last shot.
When we saw the draws, we knew it was not going to be easy. However, we are a club steeped in the history of CAF football competitions and have faced mountain-like obstacles which we surmounted.
“We have that strong mentality, and it is what we should take into the game.
“We should banish the unpleasant memories of the last game and move ahead. Like it is said in football, it is not over until it is over.
“We will go to Egypt, we will fight till the end and hopefully, we will have a reason to smile again.”
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Moroccan side, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane secured a third continental title after drawing against Tanzania’s Simba Sports Club (2-0 in the first leg, 1-1 in the return).
Moroccan football’s representatives had the privilege of being the first to lift the new CAF trophy.
It is the fifth time they have played the final match of the competition, and they were successful in 2020 and 2022. In the return leg of the final match this Sunday, Berkane overcame challenges put in their way ahead of the match at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
The match got off to a flying start, with the hosts dominating, determined to open the scoring in the opening minutes of play. Once again, Berkane retreated into defence, a far cry from the spirit displayed in the first leg.
It took about fifteen minutes for Mouine Chaâbani’s men to truly get into the game.
While they launched their first dangerous attack, a missed opportunity in front of the opposing goal cost them dearly. On the ensuing counterattack, Simba’s Zambian striker, Joshua Mutale, beat goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi in the 17th minute.
The second half resumed with the same intensity, but the tension rose, especially after Simba attacking midfielder Yusuph Kagoma was sent off for a second yellow card.
Berkane then took a numerical advantage and regained control of the game.
Stung to the quick, the home side continued to engage in skirmishes, but without any real threat to goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi.
Yet, even with ten men down, Simba’s players gave the Berkanis a hard time, posing several threats.
Deliverance finally came in the 93rd minute thanks to Mamadou Lamine Camara, who scored the equaliser, in a closely contested duel, in a packed stadium, and under the eyes of Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the FRMF, as well as Walid Regragui, national coach.
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RS Berkane head coach Moine Chaabani says his side is fully focused and prepared for Sunday’s second leg of the Confederation Cup final against Tanzania’s Simba SC, as they seek to secure a third continental title.
The Moroccan club takes a 2-0 lead into the return leg at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar following an early double from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlaoui in the first leg in Berkane.
Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, Chaabani emphasized that his players have left nothing to chance.
“We are focused on the match, and we must adapt to all circumstances, no matter how difficult,” he said during the pre-match press conference.
“We came here to play a 90-minute match, and there is no room for distraction.”
The Tunisian tactician, who led the team to last year’s final only to suffer defeat against Zamalek, underlined the hunger within the squad to go one step further this time.
“We have worked hard since that disappointment, and today we are even more determined to win the title and bring the cup back to Morocco.”
RS Berkane will be boosted by the availability of key players Haitham Manout and Paul Valery, although final decisions on their involvement will be made after the last training session.
“All players are present. The decision on their participation will depend on their readiness,” he added.
Chaabani also pointed to his side’s growing experience in navigating difficult African environments, saying they are mentally conditioned for the high-stakes occasion.
“We have a strong immune system to handle these conditions, and we will manage our physical effort according to the match’s progress,” he said.
“We hope to rise to the occasion and succeed in pleasing the Berkane fans, who always support us, to win the title.”
The return leg kicks off at 13:00 GMT on Sunday. A draw or even a narrow defeat by a one-goal margin will be enough for Berkane to lift the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup trophy.
-CAF
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Following a 2-0 win for RS Berkane over Simba SC in the first leg of the 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup Final in Berkane, Morocco, attention will turn to the return fixture on the island of Zanzibar this Sunday.
The match will be played at Amaan Stadium at 16h00 local time (13h00 GMT) and will be live across all CAF’s broadcast partners, including Azam Media, beIN Sport, Canal+, SuperSport, SABC and several other global platforms.
RS Berkane go to the second leg with the advantage after early goals from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlaoui at home, but Simba SC have shown plenty of fighting spirit already this campaign and will be confident of overturning the deficit.
The winners of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup will be awarded a new trophy that will be unveiled later this week.
CAF and host club Simba SC are working closely together to ensure that the event in Zanzibar is a success.
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