Durban City defend narrow CAF Confederation Cup lead in Burundi

Durban City will take a 1-0 advantage into their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round second leg against Rukinzo FC at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura on Sunday, with their defensive organisation likely to be tested.

The match, which kicks off at 17:00, is the Nedbank Cup winners’ first away fixture in continental inter-club competition and arguably the biggest game in the club’s history. Their lead was secured by a Rukinzo own goal in the opening leg at Moses Mabhida.

Durban City’s limited attacking output means they are unlikely to rely on a high-scoring performance to settle the tie. They have scored more than once in a match only once this season, in a 2-0 away league victory over Kruger United. Their opening run also included two goalless draws.

Head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has acknowledged the team’s lack of a clinical edge in attack, but has overseen a defence that has provided considerable consistency.

Siyabonga Msomi, Siphamandla Ncanana, John Mokone and Bandile Shandu form the central defensive group, with Emmanuel Jalai, Liam de Kock and versatile defender Tylo Sanger also contributing to a structure that has proved difficult to break down.

Captain Brooklyn Poggenpoel plays an important role in front of them. The midfield anchor’s work-rate, positional discipline and tackling help protect the defence while giving Durban City’s more creative players freedom to contribute further forward.

That defensive platform has helped the South African side record three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions, a run that began with the victory over Kruger United. Durban City have also lost only once in the league this season, in their opening fixture against Sekhukhune United.

They will also be able to call on Ghanaian goalkeeper Frederick Asare, who has been in impressive form. Another clean sheet would secure Durban City’s progress to the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round.

“The preparation this week has been very good and positive,” Asare said. “The coaches have prepared us mentally, physically, and tactically. The first-leg result created a positive impact in the camp. We were expecting to win by a bigger margin, but Rukinzo were well organized tactics-wise and difficult to penetrate.”

Asare said the campaign had added significance for both him and the club.

“To me, this historic campaign means a lot – it puts me up there to compete with top clubs in Africa,” he said. “It’s a big test for the club going into Burundi with a narrow win, but we are all determined and focused. I believe strongly that with our preparation, we will bring victory back to Durban.”

Ben Youssef expects Rukinzo to pose a significant threat, particularly after the Burundian side displayed counter-attacking quality in the first leg. Their need to overturn the 1-0 aggregate deficit should also force the hosts to commit more players forward.

“It will be a difficult game,” Ben Youssef said. “Rukinzo are a good team and we know what they can do, especially going forward. We have worked properly during the week and we are ready for the game.”