Durban City make winning start to historic CAF Confederation Cup campaign

Durban City began their first-ever continental campaign with a 1-0 victory over Rukinzo in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Team of Choice entered the tie after a goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership in midweek, but produced enough pressure to secure an important advantage against their opponents from Burundi.

Rukinzo endured a difficult opening spell and were largely focused on protecting their goal. Siphesihle Msomi tested the visitors early on with a probing header towards the near post, following an assist from Gaston Sirino, but Rukinzo managed to clear the danger.

Durban City continued to look for a way through, with former Kaizer Chiefs striker Tashreeq Morris going close around the half-hour mark. Morris met a delivery from Haashim Domingo with a powerful header in the centre of the penalty area, although he failed to direct the effort on target.

Rukinzo offered little attacking threat during the first half. Rather than attempting to impose themselves on the match, the visitors spent much of the contest sitting deep near the edge of their six-yard box and waiting for opportunities to counter-attack.

City made two changes before the restart, bringing Kyle Jurgens and Samkelo Maseko into the match. Rukinzo kept the same side that had started the game.

The Burundian side remained on the back foot early in the second half and were almost punished again when Morris headed wide after meeting a cross from Bandile Shandu.

Sirino then played a decisive role as Durban City finally broke through midway through the second half. The midfielder created a yard of space inside the area, prompting Rukinzo to turn a cutback from Maseko into their own net.

The goal lifted the home side, who continued to push for a second. Maseko again found room on the flank and delivered a cross into the area for Morris, but the striker’s attempt was blocked.

Rukinzo improved during the closing stages and committed several players forward in search of an equaliser. Durban City, however, resisted the pressure and avoided conceding as they held on for a historic victory in their first CAF Confederation Cup appearance.

The result gives the Team of Choice a narrow lead to take into the second leg, while Rukinzo will need to overturn the deficit after failing to score in Durban.