Durban City beat Port Louis to take control of CAF Confederation Cup tie

Durban City secured a 3-1 first-leg victory over Port Louis in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Haashim Domingo and Gaston Sirino put the South African side in control, before Tashreeq Morris added a third goal from the penalty spot in additional time. Dany Beehary scored for Port Louis, who briefly threatened to mount a comeback after reducing the deficit.

Durban City had reached the second round by eliminating Burundi’s Rukinzo in the opening round, while Port Louis progressed after knocking out Jwaneng Galaxy.

Eric Tinkler’s side began the match with clear attacking intent, controlling possession and applying pressure from the opening stages. The hosts moved the ball into the final third regularly and created a number of promising openings as they sought an early advantage.

Their pressure was rewarded after 16 minutes when Domingo found the back of the net to give Durban City the lead.

The hosts continued to look the more dangerous side, with Alou Doumbia going close to extending their advantage soon afterwards. His powerful effort from distance, however, was kept out by Port Louis goalkeeper Kenny Hansley Alcide.

Durban City created several more clear-cut opportunities before the interval but could not convert them, leaving the visitors within one goal at half-time.

The hosts did not have to wait long for a second after the restart. Sirino produced an individual effort, carrying the ball forward before briefly losing possession and then recovering it. He took advantage of a defensive mistake to finish and give Durban City a two-goal cushion.

Port Louis responded within minutes, scoring during one of their rare attacking spells through Beehary.

The goal gave the visitors renewed confidence and they continued to press for an equaliser as the match progressed. Durban City, meanwhile, missed further chances to restore a more comfortable lead.

The South African side eventually secured the advantage in additional time when Morris converted from the penalty spot to make it 3-1.

The two sides will meet again next Sunday, 25 October, with a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages at stake.