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Controversy clouds Simba v RS Berkane CAF final as officiating decisions spark debate over fairness, leaving fans with lingering questions.
If Tanzania ever needed a moment to examine the state of football officiating in continental tournaments, the second leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup final provides the perfect case study.
On what was meant to be a historic evening for Tanzanian football, Simba SC fought with determination, pride and purpose.
Backed by a roaring crowd in Zanzibar they clawed their way back into contention with an early goal. The dream of lifting a continental title felt tangible. But then came the moments that will linger for years — not because of the football, but because of the officiating.
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16:34 - 20.05.2025
Simba vs RS Berkane: Why CAF Moved Confederation Cup Final to Zanzibar
CAF relocates Confederation Cup final to Zanzibar due to stadium issues in Dar es Salaam, sparking surprise ahead of May 25.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Referee Dahane Beida of Mauritania, once again, found himself at the center of a storm involving a Tanzanian club.
Two years ago, it was Young Africans SC (Yanga) whose legitimate goal against Mamelodi Sundowns was chalked off under his watch. This time, it was Simba’s turn to suffer.
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Steven Mukwala’s 73rd-minute strike, which would have put Simba level on aggregate, was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. The decision, while technically explained, lacked the transparency and consistency fans expect at this level.
Replays suggested a razor-thin margin — one where the benefit of the doubt could easily have favored the attacking side.
And that was not the only contentious moment. Yusuph Kagoma’s red card in the 50th minute, for a second yellow, shifted the momentum firmly towards RS Berkane. While rules must be applied, context and consistency are crucial — and many observers questioned whether both cautions were truly warranted in such a high-stakes match.
It is not just the decisions themselves, but the pattern they fit into.
Denying Simba the use of their familiar Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was already a setback.
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13:30 - 24.05.2025
Mashemeji Derby Venue Change Leaves Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards Fans in Dilemma After Early Ticket Purchase
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards who had bought Mashemeji Derby tickets early are left with tough choices after the match was moved from Nairobi to Homa Bay.
Pair that with repeated controversial officiating decisions, and many Tanzanian fans are left questioning whether fairness was ever part of the equation.
RS Berkane are undoubtedly a top-tier side — resilient, composed, and experienced on the continental stage. They have now claimed their third Confederation Cup title in five years.
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But for Tanzanians, and neutral observers alike, this final will be remembered less for footballing brilliance and more for what-ifs and why-nots.
If CAF is serious about growing the credibility and reputation of African football, then scrutiny must be applied equally — including on the referees who influence the outcome of crucial matches.
Decisions like those seen in Zanzibar do not just impact results; they damage belief in the integrity of the game.
This is not just about Simba. It is about ensuring that every club, regardless of nation or history, steps onto a level playing field when they represent their badge and country.
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18:00 - 24.05.2025
Rabat Diamond League: Time and Where to Watch Ferdinand Omanyala, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Beatrice Chebet in Action
The Rabat Diamond League will take place in the Moroccan city on Sunday and here is all you need to know about the event and how you can catch the action.
Referees should never be the headline — yet once again, Dahane Beida is. And that, in itself, is the biggest problem.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest writer and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of this publication. All commentary is based on publicly available information and observed events.
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