The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the relocation of the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final between Morocco’s Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RS Berkane) and Tanzania’s Simba SC to Amaan Stadium on Zanzibar Island, instead of hosting it in Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam. This decision came after thorough technical assessments by CAF’s international stadium advisors, who took into account the current rainy season in Tanzania. The strong recommendation to move the match to Zanzibar was made to ensure the best technical and playing conditions.|
It is worth noting that Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar previously hosted an important match for Simba during the first leg of the Confederation Cup semifinals against South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC, which Simba won 1-0. The second leg ended in a goalless draw, allowing Simba to reach the final. Meanwhile, RS Berkane qualified for the final after winning their semifinal tie with an aggregate score of 4-1, reflecting their strong form and great ambition in the competition.
CAF sent an official letter to the Tanzanian Football Federation, expressing its sincere appreciation for the great cooperation from the federation and the Tanzanian government in preparing to host the final. The letter praised their commitment and dedication to making this major sporting event a success. This coordination is part of CAF’s intensive efforts to organize a final that matches the high technical and sporting standards of the tournament and meets the expectations of fans and sports officials alike.
The first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final is scheduled to take place on May 17 at Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco, while the second leg will be held on May 25 at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. This decision reflects CAF’s strong commitment to providing a safe and suitable playing environment for all participating teams, adhering to the highest organizational quality standards—an essential part of CAF’s strategy to elevate the level of continental competitions.
Observers are well aware that this final takes place amid climatic and technical conditions that require careful stadium selection, as Tanzania’s rainy season is a crucial factor that could impact the match if held in Dar es Salaam. Therefore, the move to Amaan Stadium, which boasts advanced infrastructure and the capability to host major events, enhances the chances of delivering a well-rounded match in terms of technical performance and organization.
African football fans are eagerly anticipating this final, especially as RS Berkane aims to secure its first-ever Confederation Cup title—a historic achievement for Morocco. On the other hand, Simba seeks to defend its title from the previous season, making the match highly exciting and competitive.
Preparations are intensifying on both sides, with each team working to prepare its players optimally for this decisive encounter. Security and organizational measures are also being ramped up in Zanzibar to ensure the match proceeds safely and comfortably for both fans and players.
Additionally, all necessary arrangements are being made to facilitate football enthusiasts who wish to follow the final live at the stadium or through broadcast media. Authorities are preparing wide media campaigns to cover the event in the best possible way, both continentally and internationally.
This final represents a key milestone in the journey of the CAF Confederation Cup, which continually strives to strengthen its status as one of Africa’s premier continental tournaments and to provide a genuine platform for fair and professional sports competition. The event is expected to reflect the progress the tournament has witnessed over the past years in terms of both organization and the quality of participating teams.
With this relocation, CAF reaffirms its commitment to making well-considered decisions based on precise technical data, free from external pressures, while upholding the principle of equal opportunity among competing teams and ensuring matches are held under the best possible conditions.
This step is also part of a series of measures CAF adopts to develop stadium infrastructure across the continent and encourage investment in sports facilities that meet global quality and safety standards, positively impacting the future of African football.
Ultimately, the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup final between RS Berkane and Simba remains one of the most prominent and eagerly awaited clashes of the current sports season, attracting followers from across Africa and beyond, all hoping for a match that delivers exceptional technical performance and a satisfying result for all parties involved.
This decision also opens discussions on the importance of CAF’s strategies in handling changing circumstances and ensuring the continuity of continental competitions without disruptions, reflecting a genuine desire to enhance the reputation of African football internationally.
Furthermore, choosing Zanzibar to host the second leg final provides a significant opportunity to spotlight the island as a distinguished sporting venue capable of hosting major events. This may contribute to attracting more sporting activities in the future and support the development of sports tourism in the region.
Meanwhile, fans are watching the teams’ preparations with great enthusiasm, expecting an exciting and thrilling match, especially given the fierce competition for a title considered one of the most prestigious for African clubs after the CAF Champions League.
There is also extensive media interest from various sports and news outlets competing to provide comprehensive coverage of the final, including expert analysis and live updates, reflecting the popularity and intense engagement surrounding this continental sporting event.
Amidst all this, the big question remains: who will be the champion of the Confederation Cup this season? Will RS Berkane secure the title for the first time in their history? Or will Simba continue their dominance and retain their crown? The coming days will reveal the answer in one of the most thrilling matches in African football in 2025.
