A heated venue dispute is dominating headlines ahead of Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup final second leg between Tanzania’s Simba SC and Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) mandated a controversial change in venue from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.
Simba, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, had hoped to host the return match at the iconic 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
However, CAF deemed the pitch unfit after a poor showing in the quarter-finals, where its muddy and uneven surface drew criticism.
As a result, the African football body directed that the crucial final be held at the much smaller 15,000-seater Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
The decision sparked frustration from Simba’s camp, with club owner Mo Dewji appealing directly to CAF President Patrice Motsepe to reconsider.
Despite the appeal, CAF stuck with its decision, acknowledging Tanzania’s efforts but prioritizing the quality of the playing surface.
“While the decision is disappointing for us and our fans, we will fulfil our duty in Zanzibar with unity and pride,” Dewji said. “The lion remains the same.”
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Renaissance Berkane, eyeing a third title after previous wins in 2020 and 2022, arrived in Zanzibar to what they described as a “chaotic” welcome, citing delays at passport control and lack of logistical support.
Tensions have only heightened with Berkane’s 2-0 first-leg advantage, secured with early goals from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlioui, the competition’s joint top scorer.
Yet their coach, Mouin Chaabani, remains cautious, emphasizing the importance of an away goal.
“If we score in Zanzibar, Simba will need four goals. That could be decisive,” he said.
Simba coach Fadlu Davids, seeking his first major trophy, lamented the impact of losing home advantage. “We prepared tactically, but mentally we weren’t ready in the first leg. In Zanzibar, we aim to show our true quality.”
The winner of the tournament, Africa’s equivalent of the UEFA Europa League, will take home $2 million, while the runner-up receives $1 million.