The 2023 CAF Confederation Cup final has been marred by a venue dispute, casting a shadow over the second leg clash between Tanzania’s Simba SC and Morocco’s RS Berkane. Simba, trailing 2-0 after the first leg in Morocco, had hoped to host the decisive match at their home ground, the 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. However, a CAF inspection deemed the stadium unfit to host the final, leading to the match being relocated to the much smaller Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, a 15,000-seat venue located a three-hour ferry ride from Dar es Salaam. This decision sparked controversy and disappointment among Simba officials and fans, who felt unfairly penalized.
The root of the stadium issue stems from a previous CAF Confederation Cup match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. During Simba’s quarter-final victory against Al Masry, the pitch condition was heavily criticized, featuring numerous divots and muddy patches that negatively impacted the quality of play. Consequently, CAF mandated that Simba’s semi-final against Stellenbosch FC be moved to Zanzibar. Prior to the final, Simba owner Mo Dewji made a direct appeal to CAF president Patrice Motsepe to allow the second leg to be played in Dar es Salaam, but the request was denied, despite CAF acknowledging Tanzania’s efforts to improve the stadium.
Simba owner Mo Dewji expressed his disappointment with CAF’s decision, labeling it unfair but emphasizing the club’s commitment to fulfilling their obligations. He urged the team to approach the match in Zanzibar with pride and determination, despite the change of venue, maintaining that the team’s mission remained unchanged. The forced relocation to Zanzibar effectively stripped Simba of their home advantage and significantly reduced their potential crowd support, shifting the balance in favor of RS Berkane. This decision, while justifiable based on stadium readiness, significantly impacted the competitive landscape of the final.
The arrival of RS Berkane in Zanzibar was reportedly met with a less-than-welcoming reception. Technical issues at passport control resulted in a lengthy delay at the airport, leading to complaints from the Moroccan club about the “chaotic and unacceptable” conditions. They also alleged a lack of formal welcome and logistical support from Simba, further fueling the tension surrounding the final. These off-field issues added another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation, highlighting the logistical and diplomatic challenges involved in hosting international football matches.
RS Berkane entered the second leg with a comfortable two-goal lead, courtesy of early strikes from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlioui in the first leg. Berkane coach Mouin Chaabani, a seasoned campaigner seeking his ninth club title, acknowledged that the two-goal cushion provided a good foundation, but cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the importance of an away goal. Simba coach Fadlu Davids, in pursuit of his first major trophy, acknowledged the setback of not playing in Dar es Salaam, lamenting the loss of substantial home support. He expressed optimism about his team’s ability to deliver a stronger performance in Zanzibar, focusing on mental preparedness as a key factor.
The CAF Confederation Cup final holds significant financial implications for both clubs. The winners receive a prize of two million dollars, while the runners-up receive one million dollars. This substantial prize money underscores the growing importance of the competition within African football. Beyond the monetary reward, the title itself carries significant prestige, with RS Berkane aiming for a record-equalling third Confederation Cup triumph, having previously won the competition in 2020 and 2022. For Simba, victory would represent a historic achievement and further solidify their standing within African football. The confluence of the venue dispute, the contrasting ambitions of the two teams, and the significant financial stakes created a highly charged atmosphere surrounding the final.
