What Is 2022 CAF Confederation Cup final

Overview

The 2022 CAF Confederation Cup final marked the culmination of Africa’s premier secondary club football competition, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It featured Moroccan side RS Berkane and South African club Orlando Pirates, who advanced through a series of knockout rounds to reach the final.

Played on May 20, 2022, the match ended in a 1–1 draw after both regulation and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the champion. RS Berkane emerged victorious, defeating Orlando Pirates 5–4 on penalties, securing their second title in the competition's history.

• Host Venue: The final was held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, a neutral venue selected by CAF for the single-leg final.
• First Goal: Orlando Pirates took the lead in the 35th minute through a goal by Monnapule Saleng, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by RS Berkane.
• Equalizer: RS Berkane responded in the 68th minute when Abdelilah Hafidi converted a penalty after a handball decision following VAR review.
• Penalty Shootout: All ten outfield players scored their penalties before goalkeeper Abdessalam Benjelloun saved Orlando Pirates’ fifth attempt, allowing RS Berkane to win 5–4.
• Historic Achievement: This victory marked RS Berkane’s second CAF Confederation Cup title, having previously won in 2020, making them one of the competition’s most successful clubs.

Match Progression

The final unfolded as a tightly contested match, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and moments of individual brilliance. Despite early dominance by Orlando Pirates, RS Berkane grew into the game and created several chances before equalizing in the second half.

• First Half Control: Orlando Pirates held 58% possession in the first half and registered three shots on target, the highest by either team in a single half.
• VAR Intervention: The equalizing penalty was awarded after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Orlando Pirates’ Mario Booysen in the 65th minute.
• Extra Time: Neither team scored during the 30 minutes of extra time, despite RS Berkane registering 6 shots compared to Orlando Pirates’ 2.
• Goalkeeper Heroics: RS Berkane’s goalkeeper Abdessalam Benjelloun saved the decisive penalty, finishing with 3 saves across the match and shootout.
• Tactical Substitutions: RS Berkane coach Abdelhak Benchikha made three key substitutions that shifted momentum, including bringing on Hafidi, who scored the penalty.
• Discipline: The match saw only 3 yellow cards—two for Orlando Pirates and one for RS Berkane—indicating a relatively controlled final despite high stakes.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key performance metrics between RS Berkane and Orlando Pirates highlights the balance of the final before penalties decided the outcome.

The statistics reflect Orlando Pirates’ slight edge in possession and passing accuracy, but RS Berkane’s efficiency in key moments—particularly from set pieces and in penalties—proved decisive. The Moroccans capitalized on their opportunities, while the South Africans were unable to convert their dominance into a second goal.

Why It Matters

The 2022 final had significant implications for club prestige, continental recognition, and future qualification opportunities in African football. It also highlighted the growing competitiveness of clubs outside traditional powerhouses.

• Prize Money: RS Berkane earned $800,000 as champions, part of CAF’s increased prize fund for the Confederation Cup.
• CAF Super Cup: As winners, RS Berkane qualified to face CAF Champions League winners Wydad AC in the 2022 CAF Super Cup, held in September.
• Club Prestige: The victory elevated RS Berkane’s status as a dominant force in African club competitions, especially in the Confederation Cup.
• South African Representation: Orlando Pirates became the first South African team to reach the final since 2010, marking a resurgence in domestic club performance.
• Youth Development: Both teams fielded young talents, with 7 players under 24 starting, signaling a shift toward youth in African club football.
• Neutral Venues: The use of Nigeria as a neutral host underscores CAF’s ongoing efforts to ensure fairness and security in final matchups.

Ultimately, the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup final showcased the drama, skill, and unpredictability that define African club football, leaving a lasting legacy for both finalists and the competition itself.