In a thrilling return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane secured their spot in the final despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to CS Constantine at the Stade du 17 Juin in Constantine on Sunday, April 27, 2025. With a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg, Berkane's aggregate score of 4-1 was enough to see them advance to their fifth CAF Cup final in six years.
The match kicked off at 17:00 Central European Time, with CS Constantine looking to capitalize on their home advantage and overturn a significant deficit. The Algerian side, under the guidance of coach Kheïreddine Madoui, aimed for a miraculous comeback, and they started the match with high intensity.
CS Constantine, who claimed the Algerian championship in 2018, had struggled in recent seasons, finding themselves mid-table in the domestic league. However, they made a notable run in the Confederation Cup, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their history. Despite their previous struggles, the team was determined to put on a strong performance in front of their passionate supporters.
As the match unfolded, the home team dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities. Their efforts paid off when midfielder Abdennour Belhocini found the back of the net just two minutes into the second half, giving Constantine hope with a goal that made the score 1-0.
"We have asked the players to give their all. We are aware that we will benefit from an extraordinary atmosphere with our many supporters," said Madoui in the pre-match press conference. The coach emphasized the importance of erasing the failure of the first leg and redeeming themselves in front of their fans.
Despite their early goal, CS Constantine struggled to break through Berkane's defense, which was marshaled by experienced goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi. The Moroccan side, coached by Mouine Chaabani, focused on maintaining their composure and managing the game after conceding. "The return match will not be easy. We must play with a lot of concentration and not make mistakes," Chaabani stated before the match.
Throughout the tournament, Berkane had been impressive, conceding only two goals in their nine matches leading up to this semi-final. Their solid defensive performance was crucial in securing their advancement to the final.
As the match progressed, Berkane began to regain control, relying on their experience and tactical awareness. They absorbed pressure from CS Constantine while looking for opportunities to counterattack. Despite a few close calls, the Moroccan side managed to hold on for the remainder of the match.
Ultimately, Berkane's aggregate score of 4-1 secured their place in the final, where they will face Simba SC from Tanzania, who eliminated Stellenbosch FC from South Africa in the other semi-final. This upcoming match will mark Berkane's fifth appearance in the CAF Cup final, having previously won the tournament in 2020 and 2022, while also finishing as runners-up in 2019 and 2024.
"We are used to playing under pressure, and our style is clear. We know that CS Constantine will attack from the start, and we are ready for all scenarios. Our goal is to reach the final," Chaabani added, highlighting the importance of their experience in high-stakes matches.
For CS Constantine, this match represented a historic opportunity to reach the final for the first time, and they fought valiantly to make it happen. However, despite their strong performance and support from the home crowd, they could not overcome the deficit from the first leg.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans celebrating Berkane's achievement while CS Constantine's supporters showed their appreciation for their team's efforts. The final score of 1-0 in favor of Constantine was not enough to change the outcome of the tie, but it showcased the fighting spirit of the home side.
Looking ahead, Berkane will aim to add another trophy to their cabinet when they face Simba SC in the final. With their solid defensive record and experience in continental competitions, the Moroccan side will be a formidable opponent.
The final is set to be an exciting clash, with both teams vying for continental glory. As Berkane prepares to take the next step in their pursuit of a third CAF Cup title, they will carry the weight of their past successes and the hopes of their fans into the final.
