Durban City reach CAF Confederation Cup group stages for first time

Durban City secured a historic place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages with a 3-0 win over AS Port-Louis 2000, completing a 6-1 aggregate victory.

The result in Mauritius confirmed the first group-stage qualification in the club’s history. The Betway Premiership side had taken an advantage into the second leg, while AS Port-Louis 2000 hoped their away goal would give them a platform for a comeback.

Durban City took control after only 12 minutes when former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs attacker Gaston Sirino opened the scoring. The goal increased the visitors’ aggregate advantage and left the home side facing a difficult task.

That task became even harder before half-time. Hard-working midfielder Haashim Domingo added a second goal for Durban City in the 25th minute, putting the visitors firmly in command of the tie.

Jean Lubumba later came close to extending the lead after a well-timed run forward, but he could not direct his effort accurately enough to find the net.

Brooks adds third after the break

Durban City head coach Eric Tinkler made three changes before the start of the second half, bringing on Ethan Brooks, Keletso Sifumba and Fezile Gcaba for Sirino, Kyle Jurgens and Bandile Shandu.

The changes quickly paid off. Seven minutes after the restart, Brooks scored to make it 3-0 on the night and opened his account for his new club.

Bafana Bafana midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel then tried to create another opportunity, moving forward before attempting to link up with Lubumba. The pair were unable to complete the move.

AS Port-Louis 2000 were increasingly stretched as the match progressed, but Durban City missed another clear chance when Lubumba moved around the defence and found himself with the goal at his mercy. The forward was unable to convert.

That miss did not affect the outcome as Durban City completed a convincing victory and progressed to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the first time.

The achievement adds to a successful period for the club, who are also the Nedbank Cup champions.