CAF Confederations Cup Final: Orlando Pirates Chokes Again as RS Berkane Hold Nerve to Take Trophy Home

• RS Berkane are the 2022 CAF Confederations Cup winners after beating Orlando Pirates 5-4 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in normal time
• Youssef El Fahli opened the scoring for the Moroccan team in the seventh minute of extra time after a Thabang Monare foul inside the box resulted in a penalty
• Thembinkosi Lorch equalised for the for the South Africans with their hopes seemingly over in the 117th minute, before missing the penalty that would prove costly

Pirates were clearly the better team at the beginning of the match, looking to impose themselves on their opponents as they looked to overwhelm the Moroccans.

Deon Hotto will not remember this match with pride, missing a golden opportunity inside the first five minutes when he shot a tame shot straight at the goal keeper in a one-one situation.

As reported by iDiski Times, Berkane approached the match in a patient and calculated manner thanks to their coach Florent Ibenge, participating in his third cup final on the continent.

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The match eventually lost its shape as both teams tired and seemed to run out of ideas as it wore on. However, Berkane pounced on Pirates’ lack of opportunism when they opened the scoring in the 96th minute via a VAR-awarded penalty which Youssef El Fahli slotted his sixth goal of the tournament home past Richard Ofori.

It proved to set up a frenetic ending of the game and Thembinkosi Lorch netted a fortuitous goal in the 117th minute to send the game to penalties, much to the delight of the supporters in the Akwa Arena, the former home ground of Pirates star defender Olisa Ndah.

However, Berkane went on to secure their second Confederation Cup title in three seasons after the 5-4 win on penalties, booking their spot in the CAF Super Cup, where they will face Al Ahly or domestic rivals Wydad Atheltic Club.

South Africans rally to wish Orlando Pirates well in CAF Confederations Cup final against RS Berkane

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South Africa's footballing fraternity has thrown its weight behind Orlando Pirates as they seek to emerge victorious from the CAF Confederations Cup final against RS Berkane tonight in Uyo.

As reported on Sports Brief, should the Buccaneers win, this will be the fifth time a South African football team has won a continental title.

These include Mamelodi Sundowns women (2021 CAF Women's Champions League), Mamelodi Sundowns (2016 Champions League and Super Cup), Kaizer Chiefs (2001 African Cup Winners' Cup), South Africa (1996 Africa Cup of Nations) and Orlando Pirates (1995 African Champions Cup).