Moroccan side RS Berkane sealed a 2-1 win over Egyptian giants Zamalek in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Sunday.
The two-time winners gave themselves an advantage in the two-legged tie as they were more clinical than their Egyptian counter, who enjoyed more possession.
Advantage RS Berkane 🇲🇦
First leg of the CAF Confederation Cup ends in favour the hosts in Morocco: RS Berkane 2-1 Zamalek #Afrosport #TotalEnergiesCAFCC #RSBerkane #Zamalek #AfricanFootball #Morocco #Egypt pic.twitter.com/sfwPAIekXm
— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) May 12, 2024
Burkina Faso international Issoufou Dayo scored from the penalty spot before Adil Tahif added another for the hosts, while Tunisian forward Seifeddine Jaziri got the only goal for Zamalek a minute into the second half restart.
Team captain Dayo opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a brilliantly struck penalty kick. Following a period of controlled possession and pressure from RS Berkane, the Orange Boys, as they are fondly called, doubled their lead in the 32nd minute after Tahif headed home a corner kick from Mohamed El Morabit.
Zamalek returned from the halftime break looking dangerous, and it soon showed on the score sheet as Jaziri’s powerful header from an Ahmed Sayed cross found the back of the net to cut the deficit and get the White Knights back into the game.
Although the Egyptians pressed for the equaliser, RS Berkane’s defence, led by Dayo, stood resolute and ensured they came out on top with the victory.
The two sides will rekindle their rivalry in the second leg of the final slated for the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on Sunday, May 19, with RS Berkane hoping to ensure their third triumph in five years, while Zamalek would be looking to win the competition for the first time since 2019.
