Durban City reach Caf Confederation Cup group stage for first time

Durban City have reached the Caf Confederation Cup group stage for the first time after completing a 6-1 aggregate victory over AS Port Louis 2000 of Mauritius.

The Citizens secured a 3-0 win in the second leg at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex on Sunday, having taken a 3-1 advantage from the first match.

Gaston Sirino, Haashim Domingo and Ethan Brooks scored as Durban City produced a controlled performance to confirm their place in the next stage of continental competition.

Coach Eric Tinkler praised his players for maintaining their focus after being warned against complacency before the return fixture.

“The players deserve enormous credit. They showed hunger, commitment and togetherness throughout the tie. Playing away from home in continental competition is never easy, but we remained focused on our objectives and delivered when it mattered,” Tinkler told the club media department.

He said the club would celebrate the achievement but must now prepare for a tougher challenge in the group stage.

“We will enjoy this achievement, but we must remain grounded. The group stages will bring a different level of competition and we need to prepare properly, continue improving and make sure we represent Durban City with pride.”

Tinkler was also pleased with the approach shown by his team in Mauritius, following the advantage secured in the opening leg.

“I’m very pleased with the performance. We came here knowing we had a job to do, despite winning the first leg and the players approached the game with the right mentality,” he said.

“We were disciplined, clinical in front of goal and managed the game well.”

The result marks Durban City’s first continental campaign and gives the club a place in the group stage of the Caf Confederation Cup.

Tinkler said the achievement belonged to everyone involved with the club, while stressing that their progress could not stop there.

“This is a very important achievement for Durban City. It’s our first-ever continental campaign and reaching the group stages is a proud moment for the club, the players, the technical team and everyone who has supported us.

“We are delighted, but we also know there is more work ahead.”

Durban City will next turn their attention to the Carling Knockout last 16. They host Stellenbosch at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday at 7pm, with a place in the next round at stake.