The Confederations of African Football (CAF) had one of its best moments in Uyo – Akwa Ibom State capital – on Friday night, when Orlando Pirates of South Africa traded tackle with Sportive de Berkane of Morocco in the CAF Confederations Cup Final.
A large crowd turned up to witness the event and most importantly watch one of their own, Olisa Ndah, who just left Akwa United Football Club to Join Orlando Pirates but returned after one season for a continental final.
RS Berkane defeated their counterparts Orlando Pirates, thanks to a 5-4 shootout victory after a draw at regulation time.
The first 90 minutes ended with a goaless draw, but the extra 30 minutes produced moments of cheers from the large crowd that turned up to watch the game.
Youssef Alfahli gave Berkane the lead in the first half of extra time but Thembinkosi Lorch equalised in a dramatic fashion in the second half extra time, taking the game into penalties.
Lorch, who took the game into penalties, went on for his side’s second spot kick but took it towards the direction of the goalkeeper, Hamza Akbi, who parried it wide in what became the eventual decider for the trophy.
RS Berkane have won two CAF Confederations Cup in three years after winning the 2020 campaign.
The atmosphere, the organisation, the security operatives, the safety and fair treatment of the players and all the travelling fans, was at its best and it was a game of the highest quality.
This was on record that the first CAF Confederations Cup Final played in Nigeria was hosted at the famous Godswill Akpabio International in Uyo. It was like a home ground for Orlando Pirates.
The Support for Pirates was second to none, as evidenced during the dying minute when Lorch slotted home for the equaliser. The once quiet arena arose to its hottest moments, as fans who started to depart found their way back to the stand to witness the few minutes, cheering the Pirates to win.
It was after the moment of the second spot kick for Pirates that the stands were refrigerated once again; everywhere became quiet.
It was quiet because the damage had been done by their hero whom they praised so well.
Lorch was announced man of the match after the final whistle, despite losing the final due to his display during the regulation time.
One of the best players of the night, Olisa Ndah, missed out on being the man of the match but his display and the reward from the crowd was enough for the Nigerian-International player.
The last three CAF Confederations Cup trophy has been won by Moroccan clubs after Raja Casablanca won in 2021.
