Fadlu Davids’ Simba could not overturn their 2-0 deficit, ultimately losing 3-1 on aggregate against RSB Berkane in the CAF Confederation Cup second-leg final at Amaan Stadium on Sunday.

Simba got off to a bright start, with Joshua Mutale scoring early in the first half. They believed they had netted a second goal later through Steve Mukwala, which would have leveled the aggregate score at 2-2, but it was reviewed by VAR and disallowed for offside.

However, Berkane, a team with significant experience in this competition, secured their aggregate lead when Soumaila Sidibé scored to make it 1-1 on the day and 3-1 on aggregate.

Simba entered this crucial match trailing 2-0 after losing the first leg to Berkane last weekend. This meant Simba, who were aiming for their first trophy in a CAF club competition, had to start aggressively. They did just that, as Mutale fired Simba ahead at the back post in the 17th minute after an excellent passage of play by the home side. Mutale was unmarked after Berkane failed to clear their lines, and the Zambian’s shot sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Simba played this game at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City, a 15,000-capacity venue, rather than their usual home ground, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, which is currently undergoing refurbishment for the CHAN tournament later this year.

As Simba took the lead, Berkane appeared rattled and struggled to settle into the contest. Simba coach Davids has lost for the second time in this competition in his career; he was co-coach with Mandla Ncikazi when Orlando Pirates lost to the same opponents in the 2022 Confederation Cup final on penalties.

He was undoubtedly looking for a better outcome this time, and given their strong start with Mutale’s early goal, it seemed they might indeed overturn the first-leg deficit.

As tensions rose, Davids himself was booked after expressing his displeasure with a decision and was asked to calm down by Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida. Berkane then reminded Simba of their aggregate lead just before halftime when goalkeeper Moussa Camara spectacularly clawed Adil Tahif’s header away from crossing the line. The ball then bounced in front of Berkane’s captain Issoufou Dayo, who inexplicably headed wide from an open goal.

However, things worsened for Simba just five minutes into the second half. Ally Kagoma received a second yellow card after attempting to cut out an attack and fouling a Berkane player, leading to his dismissal. Further compounding their woes, Davids’ assistant coach Darian Wilken also received a red card.

This chaotic situation, coupled with their struggle to find an equalizer, signaled that the game was likely over for the Tanzanian side. Calm heads were desperately needed from the home side and coach Davids against the Moroccan team, which has won their domestic league title.

More red cards were issued by the Mauritanian referee to both clubs’ technical benches, as the match appeared to be spiraling out of control.

As play resumed, the stadium erupted in cheers as Simba thought they had scored their second goal to make it 2-2 on aggregate. Charles Ahoua’s free-kick was met by Mukwala, who headed past Mohamed El Kajoui. However, the goal underwent a lengthy VAR check and was ultimately disallowed, as Mukwala was in an offside position.

Berkane then sealed Simba’s fate by scoring their third goal in referee’s optional time. The home side was caught out at the back, and Sidibé fired the ball between Camara’s legs, leaving the stadium in stunned silence and the home side facing an impossible task.

With their comeback now impossible, Berkane celebrated winning their third Confed Cup title.