Tanzanian team Simba will carry the underdog tag into the CAF Confederation Cup final against overwhelming favourites Berkane from Morocco.

The two sides meet in the first leg at the Municipal Stadium in the North African state on Saturday, 17 May, and the match, which kicks off at 9PM, will be live on SABC 3.

Berkane have won this tournament on two occasions, and by all accounts, they are considered the favorites.

However, the nature of football is that you write off any team at your own peril, and Simba coach Fadlu Davids has sounded a warning that Simba is not going to be a lamb to the slaughter.

“We are going into this match as a mentally and tactically mature team,” said the South African ahead of the decider. “We’ve prepared thoroughly from the back to the front, and I am particularly pleased with the central defence.”

Simba has punched above its weight in this tournament, first winning Group A before knocking out Egyptian side Al Masry and South Africa’s Stellenbosch in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.

Be that as it may, many are of the opinion that Berkane are favourites, including their coach Mouin Chaabani, especially because they’ve been to four finals in the past six years, winning twice and losing the other two.

“There are no winners in football before matches are played,” said Chaabani, who’s treading carefully.

“Simba have a proud history in this competition and are deserving finalists. They have earned the right to compete for the title.

“However, provided we put in the effort and prepare properly, there is no reason why we cannot bring the trophy to Morocco.”

The second leg will be played in Zanzibar on Sunday, 25 May.