A venue dispute has cast a shadow over Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup final second leg between Tanzania’s Simba SC and Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane, set to take place in Zanzibar.
Simba, who are trailing 2–0 from the first leg, initially requested to host the decisive clash at the 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. However, following a CAF inspection, the stadium was deemed unfit for the final due to its poor pitch conditions — marked by divots and muddy patches, as seen during Simba’s quarter-final win over Al Masry.
CAF instead moved the fixture to the smaller Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, a 15,000-seat venue located a three-hour ferry ride away. Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, is a popular tourist destination comprising two main islands and several smaller ones.
The decision has not sat well with Simba. Club owner Mo Dewji made a personal appeal to CAF president Patrice Motsepe to reverse the decision, arguing that Dar es Salaam should host the final. However, CAF acknowledged Tanzania’s efforts but upheld the move to Zanzibar.
“Naturally, this outcome is disheartening, not only for Simba, but for our supporters. It does not feel fair,” Dewji said. “We will go to Zanzibar not by choice, but by duty. We will fulfil that duty with unity, purpose and pride.”
He added a rallying message to his players: “Walk into Amaan Stadium with your heads held high. Play with courage, clarity, and composure, like the soldiers you are. The venue may have changed, but the lion remains the same. Our mission is clear — we go to Zanzibar ready to fight.”
Renaissance Berkane reportedly faced a rocky arrival in Zanzibar, citing long delays at passport control and a lack of official reception or support from Simba. A club spokesman described the experience as “chaotic, unacceptable and unworthy of a continental competition.”
The Moroccan side heads into the match aiming for their third CAF Confederation Cup title, following wins in 2020 and 2022. Their first-leg goals came from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlioui within the opening 14 minutes.
Berkane coach Mouin Chaabani, who’s hunting his ninth trophy, cautioned that the tie is far from over: “A two-goal lead is never completely comfortable. Scoring an away goal could make a huge difference.”
Simba coach Fadlu Davids, originally from South Africa, admitted the venue change is a setback due to the reduced crowd capacity. “We conceded early goals in Morocco because, although tactically ready, we weren’t mentally prepared. I believe we can do better in Zanzibar,” he said.
The winners of the CAF Confederation Cup will receive \$2 million, while the runners-up will take home \$1 million.
AFP
