With less than 24 hours to the much-anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Final between Morocco’s RS Berkane and Egypt’s Zamalek SC, African football awaits in great anticipation to see who between the two sides will emerge victorious in the double legged final.
Sunday, 12 May sees the two-time champions RS Berkane playing host to the 2019 Champions at the Berkane Municipal Stadium at 20h00 Local Time (19h00 GMT) ahead of the second leg in Cairo a week later.
This will be the second time the two sides meet in the final of this competition, with the last meeting going in favour of the Egyptians courtesy of a 5-3 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 aggregate scoreline.
CAFOnline takes a look at four players that could decide the outcome of the two-legged final which will be closely contested by the two strong sides.
Zamalek SC
Ahmed Mustafa Zizo – Right Winger
The dangerous Ahmed Mostafa Zizou brings is a live wire for the White Knights with his dazzling runs down the rights which are accompanied by goals and assists. The skilful attacker is the team’s top goal scorers this season with 8 goals to his name and will certainly be one to look out for on Sunday.
Another exciting attribute possessed by the attacker is his ability to strike the ball from free kicks as well as his pinpoint crosses that are difficult to deal with in the danger area.
Omar Jaber – Right back
Omar Jaber personifies the modern day right back. Quick in attack and equally good in defence which offers the White Knights the much-needed firepower upfront when needed.
Jaber is enjoying a great season for the Egyptian giants so far and has shown tremendous leadership growth as one of the team’s key players in tough outings such as the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
He will certainly play a key role not only in the team’s defense, but equally so going forward and combining well with the team’s attack.
RS Berkane
Dayo Issoufou – Central Defender
Seasoned Burkinabe international defender, Dayo Issoufou has become a pillar of strength in the RS Berkane defense. The veteran defender, who is now aged 32 bring calmness and direction to the side through his years of experience at both club and national team level.
Issoufou is also deadly in arial situations and will be a point of reference in set pieces should the two-time champions fail at breaking the Zamalek defense in open play.
Yassine Labahiri – Central Midfielder
Yassine Labahiri is RS Berkane’s creative spark.
The midfield maestro possesses a unique ability of passing through the tight spaces, which will most likely be the case against a resilient Zamalek side on Sunday.
Labahiri connects well with both defense and attack and his great passing ability will be key for the Moroccans during the breaking attacks.
