Durban City reach CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round

Durban City secured their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 2-1 victory over Rukinzo on Sunday afternoon, completing a 3-1 aggregate success.

The South African side carried a narrow advantage into the second leg after winning in Durban last Sunday, while Rukinzo needed to make full use of home advantage to overturn the tie.

Instead, Durban City made the ideal start. Kyle Jurgens headed in John Mokone’s cross after only one minute, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead on aggregate and putting Rukinzo under immediate pressure.

The home side responded positively after the early setback and created an opportunity through a well-worked move. However, Durban City goalkeeper Frederic Asare got behind the effort and kept it out.

Rukinzo’s task became more difficult 10 minutes before half-time when Samkelo Maseko doubled the visitors’ lead. He combined effectively with Gaston Sirino and Jurgens before finding the net to make it 2-0 on the afternoon.

Maseko did not return for the second half, with coach Khalil Ben Youssef introducing Alou Doumbia as he made a change at the interval.

Durban City faced greater pressure after the break and were forced to work hard to contain a determined Rukinzo side. Further substitutions brought Ethan Brooks, Neo Makua and Bongani Mthembu into the contest as the visitors attempted to maintain their advantage.

Rukinzo continued to push and eventually reduced the deficit in the final five minutes. Durban City remained composed, however, and held on to confirm a 2-1 win and progress 3-1 on aggregate to the second preliminary round.

Durban City’s next fixtures

The Team of Choice’s upcoming schedule is:

1. Orlando Pirates (A) 2. Milford (A) 3. AmaZulu (H) 4. Mamelodi Sundowns (A) 5. TS Galaxy (A)