A heated venue dispute has overshadowed the highly anticipated second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final between Simba of Tanzania and Renaissance Berkane of Morocco. The match, scheduled to take place in Zanzibar, has been marred by controversy over the choice of venue.
Simba, who trail 2-0 after the first leg, had strongly advocated for the return match to be staged at the 60,000-seat Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deemed the stadium unsuitable after an inspection and instead ordered the match to be played at the 15,000-seater Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Simba owner Mo Dewji expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that the outcome is “disheartening” for the team and its supporters. Despite this, he rallied his team, saying, “We will go to Zanzibar not by choice, but by duty. We will fulfill that duty with unity, purpose, and pride.” Berkane, on the other hand, reportedly received a cool reception in Zanzibar, with the team facing technical issues at passport control and citing “chaotic, unacceptable, and unworthy” conditions. The CAF Confederation Cup final is a prestigious tournament, with the winner receiving $2 million and the runner-up $1 million. Simba will need to overcome a significant deficit to win the title, while Berkane aims to secure a record-equalling third Confederation Cup trophy.
The stage is set for an intense and dramatic showdown in Zanzibar. Will Simba be able to mount a comeback against Berkane, or will the Moroccan team emerge victorious? The world will be watching as these two talented teams clash in the CAF Confederation Cup final.
