CAF Confederation Cup Final: Simba V Berkane Tips & Odds
Simba is set to host Berkane at the Amaan Stadium on Sunday, May 25th at 3 pm after a disappointing 0-2 loss in the first leg. Considering this is the CAF Confederation Cup final, we can expect to see fireworks.
And that’s not all, as there is plenty of value for bettors. That’s why we bring you our expert tips and predictions for this thrilling clash between these two fierce sides. The first leg saw Berkane take control early, and Simba faced an uphill battle. However, with their home crowd behind them, don’t count them out just yet.
Simba vs Berkane Predictions & Odds
Our chosen bookie for this match is bet365 as it has the best odds. With that said, here are our expert predictions as well as the odds on bet365.
- 1 x 2 (3.50) – Berkane won the first leg 2-0 and have gone unbeaten in their last 4 matches across all competitions. On top of that, they have a strong home and away league record. Simba must score at least twice and avoid conceding to have a chance, which is a tough ask.
- Under 2.5 Goals (1.57) – The average goals in matches between these sides is about 1.6, and Berkane is known for a solid defense, having kept clean sheets in many recent matches. Simba will likely be cautious early on, trying to avoid conceding an away goal.
- Both Teams to Score (Yes – 2.10 / No – 1.73)– Since Simba is at home and must score at least twice to have a chance, they will attack aggressively. Meanwhile, Berkane has shown they can score away from home. Therefore, expect goals from both sides since Simba needs to score and Berkane has a strong counter-attack.
Expected Lineups
Simba (4-2-3-1)
GK: Ally Salim
DEF: Kapombe, Che Malone, Henock Inonga, Mohamed Hussein
MID: Mzamiru Yassin, Kanoute
ATT: Mpanzu, Chama, Bocco
ST: Saidi Ntibazonkiza
RS Berkane (4-3-3)
GK: Hamza Hamiani
DEF: El Bahri, Camara, Mokadem, Dahbi
MID: El Fahli, Mehri, Baadi
ATT: Lamlaoui, Bassène, El Fahli
Both Teams’ Form Analysis
It’s no surprise that Berkane comes into this match as the favorites. The Moroccan side has been very consistent. They’ve lost just once across their last 14 away matches in all competitions and have an impressive defensive record.
In fact, they have conceded only 0.47 goals per game in their domestic league and kept 12 clean sheets in 29 games. They were surgical in their first leg as they won 2-0 after finding the net early. On top of that, they showed excellent form.
Meanwhile, Simba SC has been formidable at home. They are unbeaten in their last 11 home matches, including a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch in the semifinals. Their defense has held firm throughout the group stage, conceding only eight goals across six matches.
On the other hand, they’ve lost 9 away fixtures during the Confederation Cup, including the first leg against Berkane. Still, back at home, they’re a different beast as they have scored 17 goals in their last 10 home games and conceded only four.
The home crowd in Zanzibar is electric, so if Simba can score early, they’ll believe the comeback is on. However, they must be careful. Overcommitting could leave them vulnerable to Berkane’s counters, especially with players like Mehri and Lamlaoui poised to exploit any gaps.
H2H Stats: Berkane to Score Early
When it comes to recent head-to-head matchups, the stats go in Berkane’s favor. These two clubs have met three times in the CAF Confederation Cup in the last few years, and Berkane has walked away with two victories. And as we already mentioned, their most recent match ended with a 2-0 win for the Moroccan side.
Looking back to 2022, Simba did manage a 1-0 home win, but that came after a 2-0 first-leg defeat in Morocco. This mirrors the current scenario closely, and history suggests Simba may win the battle but still lose the war on aggregate. Berkane have scored four goals to Simba’s one and kept two clean sheets across these three meetings
It’s worth noting that Berkane tends to score early. In fact, five of their six goals against Simba have come in the first 30 minutes of play. If they strike first again, the tie could be all but over. However, history suggests that anything could happen in this final, so expect drama, goals, cards, and a crowd that roars until the final whistle.
Conclusion
The Tanzanian outfit must be bold and clinical to stand a chance of reversing the 2-0 deficit. Their home record gives them hope, but hope alone won’t be enough against an in-form team such as Berkane. Considering what’s at stake, we can expect drama, goals, cards, and a crowd that roars until the final whistle. Should you wish to place a bet on this match, then do so on bet365, click on our banners and you’ll find a truly trusted bookie with great odds.
