What Is 2018 CAF Confederation Cup final

Overview

The 2018 CAF Confederation Cup final marked a historic moment for Moroccan club RS Berkane, who claimed their first continental title by defeating DR Congo’s AS Vita Club. The competition, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is Africa’s second-tier club tournament, equivalent to the UEFA Europa League.

After two tightly contested legs, RS Berkane emerged victorious with a 4–1 aggregate score. Their dominant second-leg performance in Rabat secured the trophy and cemented their status as rising contenders in African club football.

• First-leg date: The opening match took place on November 4, 2018, at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, DR Congo, ending in a 1–1 draw.
• Second-leg result: RS Berkane won the return leg 3–0 on November 10, 2018, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
• Aggregate score: RS Berkane triumphed 4–1 on aggregate, combining both legs to claim the title.
• Key scorers: Soufiane Bouftini, Mohamed Aziz, and Yassine Saloumi each scored in the second leg, powering RS Berkane’s comeback.
• Historic achievement: This victory marked RS Berkane’s first continental title, making them the third Moroccan club to win the CAF Confederation Cup.

How It Works

The CAF Confederation Cup follows a knockout format with group stages preceding the final rounds, culminating in a two-legged final. Each team plays one home and one away match, with the winner determined by aggregate goals.

• Two-legged final: The final consists of two matches, one at each team’s home ground, with the winner decided by total goals scored across both games.
• Away goals rule: In case of a tie on aggregate, the team scoring more goals away from home advances, a rule applied in the 2018 edition.
• Extra time and penalties: If away goals are equal, 30 minutes of extra time is played, followed by a penalty shootout if needed.
• Participating teams: Clubs qualify through domestic cup wins or league placements, with 16 teams entering the group stage.
• Group stage format: Teams are divided into four groups of four, playing home-and-away matches, with the top two advancing to the knockout stage.
• Prize money: The 2018 winner received $750,000, while the runners-up earned $300,000, as set by CAF regulations.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the two legs of the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup final:

The second-leg performance in Rabat showcased RS Berkane’s superior fitness and tactical discipline, as they capitalized on home advantage to secure a decisive victory. Their ability to remain composed after a tense first-leg draw demonstrated their growing maturity on the continental stage.

Why It Matters

The 2018 final had significant implications for African club football, highlighting the rising competitiveness of Moroccan teams in CAF tournaments. RS Berkane’s triumph also underscored the importance of consistency and home-field advantage in two-legged finals.

• Boost for Moroccan football: RS Berkane’s win reinforced Morocco’s dominance, with four of the past seven Confederation Cup titles won by Moroccan clubs.
• Development of clubs: Winning the tournament granted RS Berkane increased visibility, sponsorship opportunities, and a chance to compete in the 2019 CAF Super Cup.
• Player recognition: Standout performers like Mohamed Aziz gained regional acclaim, potentially opening doors to international transfers.
• CAF prize structure: The $750,000 prize helped RS Berkane improve infrastructure and player development programs.
• Regional pride: The victory sparked celebrations across Berkane and Morocco, boosting national pride in domestic football achievements.
• Future tournaments: The 2018 final set a precedent for competitive balance, encouraging more African clubs to invest in continental campaigns.

Ultimately, the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup final was more than just a title decider—it was a milestone for RS Berkane and a symbol of evolving dynamics in African club football.