Simba SC’s dream of winning a continental title was dashed after a 1-1 draw with Morocco’s RS Berkane at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday evening.
The result saw the Tanzanian giants lose 3-1 on aggregate, following a 2-0 defeat in the first leg away in Morocco.
Needing to overturn a two-goal deficit, Simba came into the second leg with determination and urgency. Their efforts paid off early in the game when midfielder Joshua Mutale scored in the 17th minute, raising hopes of a dramatic comeback.
The early goal energized the home crowd, and for a moment, Simba looked capable of turning the tie in their favor.
However, their momentum was disrupted by disciplinary issues. In the 9th minute, Kagoma received a yellow card, and things got worse in the 49th minute when he was shown a second yellow, resulting in a red card. Simba were reduced to ten men, and the numerical disadvantage shifted the tide of the game.
With one man down, Simba struggled to maintain control, and Berkane began to dominate possession. The Moroccans remained patient and took full advantage of the extra space.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 94th minute when they scored the equalizer during the nine minutes of added time, effectively ending Simba’s hopes of a comeback.
RS Berkane have now secured their third continental trophy, cementing their status as one of North Africa’s most successful clubs in recent years.
For Simba, the result was a tough pill to swallow after a spirited campaign that had seen them reach the final with strong performances.
Despite the disappointment, Simba SC were awarded silver medals as runners-up. The club’s journey to the final has been praised by fans and analysts alike, and it marks a step forward for Tanzanian football on the continental stage.
Looking ahead, Simba will aim to build on this experience, improve on their shortcomings, and come back stronger in future competitions.