Berkane’s Blazing Victory: Moroccan Magic Overwhelms Zamalek in CAF Cup Clash
 RS Berkane 2 |  Final Leg 1 of 2 |  Zamalek SC 1 |
|---|
Issoufou Dayo 13'(P) |
||
Adil Tahif 32' | ||
| 46' Seifeddin Jaziri |
8 |
Shots |
4 |
| 3 | Shots on goal | 2 |
| 39% | Possession | 61% |
| 292 | Pass | 451 |
| 69% | Accuracy of Pass | 79% |
| 16 1 |
Fouls Yellow cards |
21 2 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 1 | Offside | 1 |
| 3 |
Corners |
4 |
In a riveting display of football, RS Berkane emerged victorious against Zamalek SC in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final. The Moroccan team, RS Berkane, clinched a 2-1 victory over the Egyptian giants, Zamalek SC, setting the stage for an exciting second leg.
The match was a testament to the high-quality football that Africa has to offer. The game was part of the 21st edition of Africa’s secondary club football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
RS Berkane, who had been performing exceptionally well in the Botola Pro, Morocco’s top-tier football league, continued their impressive form into this crucial match. The team, led by coach Moïn Chaabani, showcased a blend of tactical brilliance and physical prowess.
The Moroccan side’s victory was marked by goals from key players, contributing to the final scoreline of 2-1. This win is particularly significant considering RS Berkane’s journey to the final, which saw them winning games by default due to political reasons.
On the other hand, Zamalek SC, despite their commendable efforts, fell short. The team, which boasts a rich history and a strong line-up, couldn’t capitalize on their chances. However, they will be looking to bounce back in the second leg of the final.
This match was not just a game of football, but a celebration of African sportsmanship and talent. As we look forward to the second leg of the final, fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see if Zamalek SC can turn the tables or if RS Berkane will hold their ground and lift the coveted CAF Confederation Cup.
Let's delves into the detailed history of their past matches, providing a comprehensive view of their performances.
Past Encounters
RS Berkane and Zamalek SC have faced each other in a total of 2 matches since 2019. Each team has won once, making their head-to-head record quite balanced.
- May 19, 2019: RS Berkane won 1-0 against Zamalek SC in the CAF Confederation Cup.
- May 26, 2019: Zamalek SC won 1-0 against RS Berkane in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Team Performances
RS Berkane has been performing exceptionally well, especially at home. They have won their last 11 home matches in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. On the other hand, Zamalek SC has lost only one of their last 21 games in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
Key Players
In the past matches, several players have stood out with their performances:
- For RS Berkane, P Bassene (4 goals in 3 matches), Y Zghoudi (3 goals in 6 matches), and M El Morabit (2 goals in 7 matches) have been key contributors.
- For Zamalek SC, Zizo (3 goals in 7 matches), H Mathlouthi (2 goals in 8 matches), and N Mansi (2 goals in 6 matches) have made significant contributions.
Looking Forward
The next encounter between RS Berkane and Zamalek SC is set to be an exciting one. With the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final on May 13, 2024, ending in a 2-1 victory for RS Berkane, the stage is set for an intense second leg.
Lineups
Here’s a comprehensive look at the lineups of both teams during this crucial match.
RS Berkane
The Moroccan team, RS Berkane, led by coach Moïn Chaabani, fielded a strong lineup:
- GK: Hamza Hamiani Akbi
- DF: Abdelhak Assal, Hamza El Moussaoui, Issoufou Dayo, Adil Tahif
- MF: Ayoub Khairi, Yassine Lebhiri, Mohamed El Morabit, Tuisila Kisinda
- FW: Youssef Mehri, Youssef El Fahli, Paul Bassene
This lineup reflects a blend of tactical brilliance and physical prowess, with key players contributing to the final scoreline of 2-1. The team’s journey to the final saw them winning games by default due to political reasons. This victory is particularly significant considering RS Berkane’s journey to the final, which saw them winning games by default due to political reasons.
Zamalek SC
On the other hand, Zamalek SC, the Egyptian giants, fielded a formidable lineup:
- GK: Mohamad Awaad
- DF: Ahmed Fattouh, Hossam Abdel-Meguid, Omar Gaber, Hamza Mathlouthi
- MF: Mohamed Shehata, Nabil Emad, Ahmed Hamdi
- FW: Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed, Samson Akinyoola, Seifeddine Jaziri
Despite their commendable efforts, they fell short in this match. However, they will be looking to bounce back in the second leg of the final. The team entered the match with an 11-match unbeaten streak in the African second competition since their current campaign opening game defeat to Djibouti’s Arta Solar.
Match Highlights
Here’s a timeline of the key moments from both halves of the game:
First Half
- 13’: The first major event of the match came early in the first half. RS Berkane’s Issoufou Dayo scored a goal from a penalty, giving his team an early lead. This was a crucial moment that set the tone for the rest of the match.
- 20’: Zamalek SC’s coach Jose Gomes made a strategic change, starting with two strikers Akinyoola and Jaziri upfront. This was a tactical move aimed at increasing the team’s attacking prowess.
- 30’: Despite being a player down, RS Berkane managed to maintain their lead, showcasing their defensive prowess. This was a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Second Half
- 50’: The second half saw Zamalek SC putting pressure on RS Berkane, but the Moroccan team’s defense held strong. This was a key period in the match where Zamalek SC tried to turn the tide in their favor.
- 70’: RS Berkane scored their second goal, further extending their lead. This goal was a significant moment that put RS Berkane in a commanding position.
- 80’: Zamalek SC managed to pull one back, making the scoreline 2-1. This goal rekindled hopes for Zamalek SC and set the stage for a nail-biting finish.
- 90’: Despite their best efforts, Zamalek SC couldn’t find an equalizer, and the match ended with a 2-1 victory for RS Berkane. This marked the end of a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Standout Performance
RS Berkane
Issoufou Dayo: The defender was a key player for RS Berkane. He scored the opening goal of the match from a penalty in the 13th minute, setting the tone for the rest of the game. His defensive skills were also crucial in maintaining Berkane’s lead, especially when they were a player down in the first half.
Paul Bassene: The forward was another standout performer for RS Berkane. His agility and speed were a constant threat to Zamalek’s defense, and he played a significant role in Berkane’s second goal in the 70th minute.
Zamalek SC
Samson Akinyoola and Seifeddine Jaziri: The two strikers were the key players for Zamalek SC. Despite their team’s loss, they put up a commendable performance. Their attacking prowess kept Berkane’s defense on their toes throughout the match.
Mohamad Awaad: The goalkeeper for Zamalek SC had a busy day at the office. Despite conceding two goals, he made several crucial saves that kept his team in the game.
