CAF Confederation Cup: Durban City advance after 2-1 win over Rukinzo

Durban City FC have reached the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup after completing a 3-1 aggregate victory over Burundi’s Rukinzo FC.

The South African side followed up their 1-0 first-leg victory in Durban with a 2-1 win at Stade Intwari in Bujumbura on Sunday afternoon.

The result also marked a significant moment in the club’s history as Durban City played their first competitive match outside South Africa.

Durban City protect first-leg advantage

Khalil Ben Youssef’s side arrived in Burundi with a narrow advantage from the opening leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

That advantage gave the Citizens a platform to approach the return fixture with discipline, and they ultimately did enough to secure another victory on the road.

Their ability to manage the tie across both legs ensured that Rukinzo were unable to overturn the deficit.

Jurgens and Maseko make early impact

Durban City made a perfect start in Bujumbura, taking the lead just one minute into the match.

Samkelo Maseko delivered a well-weighted cross into the area, with Kyle Jurgens rising to head the ball home and put the visitors in front.

Maseko then added a goal of his own in the 37th minute to give Durban City a commanding advantage before half-time.

The second goal followed a combination involving Jurgens and former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Gastón Sirino, putting the South African side firmly in control of the tie.

Historic milestone for Durban City

The victory was particularly significant for Durban City because the trip to Burundi represented the club’s first competitive fixture outside South Africa.

Progression to the second preliminary round therefore gives the KwaZulu-Natal-based club another opportunity to gain valuable experience on the continental stage.

Television blackout frustrates supporters

The historic encounter was not broadcast on television, leaving supporters in KwaZulu-Natal and other followers of the club unable to watch the match live.

Fans instead had to depend on Durban City’s social media updates for information from the game as the Citizens completed their progression in Burundi.

Durban City now move into the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup with their continental campaign still alive.