What Is 2019 CAF Confederation Cup Final

Overview

The 2019 CAF Confederation Cup Final marked the culmination of Africa's secondary club football competition, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The final was contested between RS Berkane of Morocco and Zamalek SC of Egypt in a two-leg format, with the first match on May 19 and the second on May 26, 2019.

RS Berkane emerged victorious with a 4–3 aggregate win, securing their first continental trophy. The tournament showcased emerging talent and tactical discipline across African clubs, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the Confederation Cup.

• First leg date: Played on May 19, 2019, at Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, where RS Berkane defeated Zamalek 1–0.
• Second leg date: Held on May 26, 2019, at Cairo International Stadium, where Zamalek won 3–2 in front of a packed home crowd.
• Aggregate score: RS Berkane won 4–3 on aggregate after winning the first leg and losing the second leg by one goal.
• Goalscorers: Mohamed Ounajem scored in the first leg, while Mostafa Mohamed, Youssef Obama, and Achraf Bencharki scored in the second leg for Zamalek.
• Historic achievement: This victory marked RS Berkane’s first CAF title, making them the first Moroccan club to win the Confederation Cup since 2011.

Match Details

The final was closely contested, with both teams demonstrating strong performances across the two legs. Tactical setups, home advantage, and key individual performances played decisive roles in the outcome.

• First-leg venue: Stade Municipal de Berkane hosted the opening match, providing RS Berkane with strong local support and favorable conditions.
• Second-leg attendance: Over 50,000 fans attended the match in Cairo, creating an intense atmosphere at Cairo International Stadium.
• Winning goal: RS Berkane’s aggregate victory was secured by a crucial away goal scored in the second leg, proving decisive.
• Managerial strategy: RS Berkane’s coach, Rachid Taoussi, emphasized defensive solidity and quick transitions, which neutralized Zamalek’s attacking threats.
• CAF regulations: The away goals rule was not applied; if the aggregate score had been tied, a 30-minute period of extra time followed by penalties would have decided the winner.
• Player of the match: Mohamed Ounajem was named man of the match in the first leg for his goal and consistent midfield control.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics from both legs of the 2019 CAF Confederation Cup Final:

The table illustrates how Zamalek dominated possession and shots in the second leg, but RS Berkane’s first-leg advantage proved insurmountable. Despite losing the second match, RS Berkane’s early goal and disciplined defense allowed them to withstand pressure and claim the title.

Why It Matters

The 2019 final was significant for both clubs and African football as a whole, symbolizing the rising competitiveness beyond traditional powerhouses. It also highlighted the importance of consistency across two legs in continental knockout football.

• Historic win: RS Berkane became the first Moroccan club to win the CAF Confederation Cup in eight years, breaking Egyptian dominance.
• Financial reward: The winners received $850,000 in prize money, a significant boost for smaller African clubs.
• Qualification: As champions, RS Berkane earned the right to play against the CAF Champions League winner in the 2020 CAF Super Cup.
• Development impact: The victory boosted youth investment and infrastructure funding in Moroccan club football.
• Regional pride: The win elevated the profile of North African football, particularly outside Egypt and Tunisia.
• Global exposure: The final was broadcast in over 100 countries, increasing visibility for African club competitions.

Ultimately, the 2019 CAF Confederation Cup Final demonstrated the depth and drama of African football, with RS Berkane’s triumph marking a milestone in the tournament’s history.