CAFCC: VAR technology to be used for RS Berkane and Simba SC final clash

Simba players in Casablanca – Photo Credit: Simba SC Tanzania.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for the CAF Confederation Cup final first leg between RS Berkane of Morocco and Simba SC of Tanzania.

The first leg is scheduled for Stade Municipal de Berkane on Saturday, and according to the African body, South Africa’s Abongile Tom will be in charge of the VAR team, assisted by Maria Packuita Cynquela Rivet from Mauritania and Diana Chikotesha from Zambia.

The CAF further confirmed the appointment of Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho to officiate the first leg. Referee Atcho officiated the Msimbazi Street-based side’s memorable 2-0 victory over Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the group stage of the CAF Champions League on December 19, 2023.

Atcho will be supported by assistant referee Boris Marlaise Ditsoga, also from Gabon, and Eric Ayimavo Ayamr Ulrich from Benin. The fourth official will be Patrice Tanguy Mebiame, also from Gabon.

Simba, who will be aiming to make history by winning their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup title, have already arrived in Morocco ready for the first leg contest. Simba left Tanzania on Wednesday via a chartered flight provided by Tanzania’s Head of State Samia Suluhu.

Upon arriving in Casablanca, Simba immediately held training to prepare for the clash.