RS Berkane, the two-time TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup champions, are aiming for a third trophy as they prepare to meet fellow North African side Zamalek SC of Egypt in a two-legged final on May 12 and 19.
The Moroccans, who last won the title in a nail-biting penalty shootout against the Orlando Pirates in 2022, have been in excellent form since the tournament began, finishing first in their group and dispatching the high-flying Abu Salem, who have emerged as one of the tournament’s most exciting clubs.
On their side, Egyptian football superpower Zamalek SC, winners of the 2019 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, are eager to end a potential five-year wait for a continental trophy.
The Egyptians are prepared to meet their North African rivals, Morocco’s RS Berkane, in a two-legged TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Final on May 12 and 19, with either of the two past champions recovering the trophy.
The Egyptians started shaky in the preliminary round when they had to reverse a 2-0 loss against Djibouti’s AS Arta.
In what would be deemed a disastrous exit, the Egyptians showed class in a convincing 4-1 reverse victory that saw them advance to the group stages.
Zamalek finished top of group B with 16 points before overcoming their counterparts Modern Future 3-2 in the quarterfinals and finally dispatching Ghana’s Dreams FC 3-0 in the semifinal.
Berkane started their journey in the second preliminary round after first being held to a 2-2 draw by Bendel FC before edging the Nigerians 1-0 by the narrowest of margins to advance to the group stages of the competition.
The Moroccans finished at the at the top of Group D with 14 points before overcoming Libya’s Abu Salem 3-2 in the last eight rounds.
Barkane were awarded a 6-0 victory in their controversial semi-final against USM Alger of Algeria.
Finished at the at the top of Group D with 14 points, the highest in the competition.
The former champions were ruthless in a tricky Group D consisting of Mali’s Stade Malien, spirited South African debutants Sekhukhune United, as well as the Diables Noirs of the Congo Republic.
Despite facing difficult opponents, they finished at the at the top of the group with 14 points, the highest in the competition after four wins and two draws, to stamp their authority as the tournament favorites.
