Eric Tinkler earns first Durban City win against AS Port-Louis 2000

Eric Tinkler recorded his first victory as Durban City coach as his side beat AS Port-Louis 2000 3-1 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie.

Haashim Domingo opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Gaston Sirino doubled the hosts’ advantage shortly after half-time.

Roussety pulled one back for the visitors in the 53rd minute, but Tashreeq Morris restored Durban City’s two-goal lead in the fourth minute of added time.

The result gives Tinkler’s side a 3-1 advantage to take into the second leg.

Tinkler made two changes from the team that lost to AmaZulu on Tuesday night. Veteran midfielder Sirino returned to the side, while former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Domingo replaced Ethan Brooks in midfield.

Durban City dominated the opening stages and their early pressure was rewarded when Domingo scored his first goal of the campaign after 15 minutes.

The hosts continued to control the match and nearly extended their lead before the interval. Kyle Jurgens sent an effort narrowly wide around the 39-minute mark, while Sirino saw his attempt blocked a few minutes later.

AS Port-Louis 2000 struggled to create a response, and Durban City added a second goal soon after the restart. Sirino worked his way past two challenges inside the penalty area before beating the goalkeeper at the near post.

The visitors reduced the deficit seven minutes later after Durban City goalkeeper Federick Asare dropped a cross into the path of Roussety. The forward reacted quickly to finish into an unguarded net and give his team an important away goal.

With Port-Louis pressing for an equaliser, Tinkler made changes to his team. Morris and Gcaba were introduced for Sirino and Bandile Shandu.

The substitutions helped Durban City regain their two-goal cushion deep into stoppage time. Morris scored in the fourth minute of added time to complete the 3-1 win and strengthen the home side’s position ahead of the return fixture.

Durban City lined up with Asare, Shandu, Ncanana, Mkhize, Doumbia, Poggenpoel, Jurgens, Sanger, Sirino, Domingo and Lumbumba.