Durban City take 3-1 advantage into CAF Confederation Cup second leg

Durban City claimed a 3-1 first-leg victory over AS Port Luis 2000 in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

Haashim Domingo, Gaston Sirino and Tashreeq Morris were on target for the South African side, while Louis Roussety scored for the visitors.

The result gave Eric Tinkler his first win as Durban City coach, following his defeat by AmaZulu in midweek on his debut. The Team of Choice were aiming to build a strong advantage before the return fixture and move closer to the group stages, while AS Port Luis 2000 were hoping to cause another upset after eliminating Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy.

Durban City took control in the 15th minute. Alou Doumbia collected Siphamandla Ncanana’s cross and returned the ball into the penalty area, where Domingo met it with a powerful finish into the top corner.

Doumbia almost doubled the hosts’ advantage four minutes later. He latched on to a high ball near the edge of the area and struck a first-time volley, but the effort was stopped.

AS Port Luis 2000 struggled to impose themselves after conceding and left gaps in defence. Durban City captain Ncanana came close to adding a second before the interval, sending a glancing header narrowly wide.

Sirino restores two-goal lead

Durban City began the second half strongly and extended their advantage when former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sirino moved towards the near side of the area before finding the net from a difficult angle.

The visitors responded nine minutes into the second half. Durban City goalkeeper Frederic Asare spilled the ball, allowing Roussety to react quickly and place his finish into the bottom corner.

The goal did not shift the momentum completely, with the hosts continuing to threaten. Tinkler made a double substitution during the final quarter, bringing on Fezile Gcaba and Morris for Bandile Shandu and Sirino.

Durban City missed an opportunity to restore their two-goal cushion in the closing stages. Thabo Nodada combined with Gcaba on the right and cut the ball back for Jean Lubumba, but the forward fired wide.

Morris eventually secured the victory in the fourth minute of stoppage time. After a foul inside the penalty area, he converted from the spot to complete a 3-1 win.

The second leg will take place next weekend.