SuperSport United's losing streak in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages continued after a 2-1 defeat to Al Hilal Benghazi on Sunday evening.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Al Hilal Benghazi 2-1 SuperSport United
Date: 10 December 2023
Venue: Martyrs of Benina Stadium
SuperSport made wholesale changes following their defeat against USM Alger, as only Ime Okon, Phathutshedzo Nange, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Shandre Campbell retained their places.
Matsatsantsa had injury issues from the start as defender Siyanda Xulu could not continue after 11 minutes and two minutes later, after being replaced by youngster, Lyema Dopolo, Al Hilal got the opener through Andoh Kelvin with a long range strike.
United built up momentum after that, with Nange coming close with a long range shot but the visitors had another blow just after the half-hour mark as Terrence Dzvukamanja also got injured and was replaced by Gamphani Lungu.
However, Gavin Hunt's charges continued to pressurize Al Hilal and just before the break Campbell forced a save out of goalkeeper Khleid Al Msmari, as the South African side went to the interval trailing by an odd goal.
SuperSport started the second stanza on a high note, creating clear chances and Lungu eventually levelled matters shortly before the hour-mark with a strike in the box from a cross by Campbell.
However, the Libyan side restored their lead two minutes later through Al Taeb, who also grabbed his brace with a strike in the box that found the top corner against the run of play.
United were fired up to get back into the game, with second-half substitute Keenan Bezuidenhout threatening upfront and with ten minutes to go, Bezuidenhout came close with a strike from the edge of the box that was smothered by Al Msmari.
Matsatsantsa had the momentum in the dying minutes but they could not convert their chances and slipped to their third consecutive defeat in as many matches at the bottom of Group of A.
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