ETIM EFFIONG
The RS Berkane of Morocco has lifted the 2021/2022 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup during the final match played in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday.
The RS Berkane defeated the hard fighting Orlando Pirates of South Africa 6-5 through penalty shoot-out to lift the 2021/2022 trophy.
The match could not produce a winner at regulation and extra time played into a penalty for a winner to emerge.
The Orlando Pirates of South Africa, who dominated the match in the first half with their superlative passes and defence, were unfortunate to score a goal as the RS Berkane goalkeeper, Hamza Akbi stopped all attempts at goal.
However, the Captain of RS Berkane, Larbe Naji broke the table when a penalty was awarded against the Orlando Pirates of South Africa at extra time, the Orlando Pirates fought back and equalised in the dying minutes of the extra time.
Speaking at the post-match briefing, the winning Coach, Jean-Florent Ikwange, said he was ecstatic to win the trophy for Morocco.
Ikwange said it was not easy to win the final because the Orlando pirates were a very good side that dominated the match but did not score a goal.
“Pirates was a very good team today, they have good players, they control the game, especially in the first half but we change the game in the second half and made more pressure in the middle.
“We have the spirit to win and our players are also young, we were more combative so we won. For this victory, the team is ambitious and we played with confidence.
“I am so happy for the victory, it is a victory for my country, Morocco. It is also a victory for Ghana, Congolese and Nigeria because they are with me,” he said.
The Orlando Pirates Coach, Mandla Ncikazi said he was sad to lose the match because his team played well and dominated the match but could not win.
Ncikazi said the pirates should have won the match in the first half, but lost so many scoring chances and felt disappointed.
“Honestly, I feel disappointed, we have disappointed friends at home, football fans in Nigeria and in Ghana. However, it is a disappointment, but not a bad game.
“As a coach, I take the blame for the team not winning because it is the responsibility of the coach to take the team to victory. We must have to improve because we know our deficiency and weakness to win subsequent championships,” he said.
