CAF CC Final:Buccaneers Bow Before Berkane In Shootouts

The CAF Confederations Cup final saw RS Berkane labour-past South African outfit Orlando Pirates on penalties (5-4), after an enthralling exchange that ended with both teams cancelling each-other out via a one-all margin after 120 minutes on Friday, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Nigeria.

Throughout the first half, both teams tried to open scores but the lack of attacking efficiency was testament to the nil-all score at the break.

After the break, the same lack of composure, especially from Pirates, meant the regular play-time ended on a parity (0-0).

At the start of the first half in extra time, RSB were awarded a penalty, converted by Youssef Al-Fahli in the 97th minute. The forward stepped up in a Ronaldo-like manner with; chin up, backward movements, puff of the cheeks – before sending Ofori the wrong way.

In the most bizarre of fashions, the Buccaneers were back on level terms courtesy Thembinkosi Lorch’s 117th minute – pass into the net.

The two teams then had to head to the lottery of penalties for a decider

Thembinkosi Lorch Gives And Takes Pirate’s Chance Of A CAF Confederations Cup Trophy

Known for the spectacular, Lorch from previous records within 12-yards has not been all that flush. The 28-year-old who turned out to be the reason we got to post match penalties in the first place, saw his penalty palmed out by Hamiani Akbi, who picked his spot and went full stretch to parry out. Lorch however ended up as man of the match, and rightly so. Jele, Mabasa, Monare and Ofori all scored but it counted for nothing. The 5 – aside for Berkane, picked by Florent Ibenge made the difference with some witty penalties against goalkeeper Ofori, who seemed so close, but never getting there in time. Moussaoui, Zghoudi, Mokadem, Dayo and Bahraoui made no mistakes from the spot.

Morocco’s Dominance In The CAF Confederations Cup

CAF’s secondary inter-club competition is now getting more affiliated to Moroccan sides. Berkane’s second triumph in the competition meant the seventh time a club from the country has been crowned champions. Next on queue is Tunisia with 5 CAF Confederations Cup trophies to their name. In fact, a Moroccan side has now won the trophy for a third time in a row, with Berkane claiming the title for the second time in 3 years, succeeding Raja who emerged winners over JS Kabylie last football term.

No Triumphant Return from Olisa Ndah

The final in a wider view was a whole story on its own, but had lots of sub plots which included young Ndah Olisah, playing at home, before thousands.

The young center-half who is already a Nigerian international had a tight game with pirates’ skipper, Happy Jele in the heart of the defense.

Ndah was heartily received by the locals prior to the game, and his every action was applauded. Even when the youngster was getting a medal on his neck, applauds around the ground in Uyo doubled.

Joy at last for Ibenge!

Barely 2 weeks after a life – threatening accident, Congolese tactician – Jean Florent Ibenge has prolly put a gloss to Berkane’s season despite their terrible run of form in the league. Ranked 7th with 24 game days gone, Ibenge can be forgiven and he will feel personal restitution after heartache at the same stage in 2018, with former club AS Vita.

Learning curve for Mandla Ncikazi

It has been a tipsy-turvy run for 53-year-old Mandla Ncikazi, whose side bowed to Berkane, not necessarily because of tactical imbalance or poor coaching. It was rather due to the earlier chances not converted from the Pirates, and it came back to hunt them.

The pirates are trying to believe they are not under some ort of jinx when it gets to grand finales. They have lost 9 in their last 11 finals. The Buccaneers are still in search of what will be their first CAF Confederations Cup trophy, after reaching the finals twice: 2015 and 2022, but losing on all two occasions.