Favored CAF Cup finalists Berkane draw Coach Chaabani's disapproval
"Never count your chickens before they hatch," says Berkane coach Chaabani ahead of Saturday's CAF Confederation Cup final clash against Simba. The Tunisian mastermind expressed his confidence in his team's abilities, but acknowledged the importance of effort and preparation.
Berkane, with a proud history as esteemed finalists, has the opportunity to capture the trophy in Morocco. Chaabani, a seven-time champion coach from Esperance in Tunisia, aims to secure a treble with Berkane this season. The Orange Boys have already claimed the Moroccan league title for the first time since their formation in 1938. Additionally, they reached the last 16 in the national cup and are seeking continental glory.
This will be Berkane's fifth Confederation Cup final in seven seasons. They previously won in 2020 and 2022 and were runners-up in 2019 and 2024. Berkane's exceptional home record in CAF competitions is well-known, with a remarkable 42 victories, six draws, and no defeats at their stadium. They also held a clean sheet throughout six home games en route to the final, managing to score five goals against Dadje of Benin and Stellenbosch of South Africa and four against CS Constantine of Algeria.
Oussama Lamlioui is Berkane's top scorer in the African campaign with five goals. West African players Paul Bassene (Senegal) and Issoufou Dayo (Burkina Faso) have netted four goals apiece. South Africa-born Simba head coach Fadlu Davids attributes Berkane's incredible home record partially to their intimidating Municipal Stadium, which can accommodate around 15,000 spectators.
Simba, with a multinational lineup including Guinean goalkeeper Moussa Camara, Ivory Coast defenders Chamou Karaboue and star forward Jean Charles Ahoua, and Congolese winger Elie Mpanzu, are facing a tough challenge against Berkane's home dominance. Tanzanian winger Denis Kibu, the top Simba scorer in Africa this season with four goals, could cause trouble for Berkane with his pace and ball control. The return match is set for the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on May 25, with the aggregate winners taking home a prize of two million dollars.
Chaabani, anticipating the CAF Confederation Cup final against Simba, warns against presumption, echoing, "Never count your chickens before they hatch." Berkane, with a West African contingent including Paul Bassene (Senegal) and Issoufou Dayo (Burkina Faso), will look to extend their dominance in African football, particularly in 'football', where Oussama Lamlioui has been the top scorer. Meanwhile, Algeria's CS Constantine was one of the teams previously outmatched by the Orange Boys, who aim to reinforce their sports-analysis-backed home advantage in their pursuit of continental glory.
