Marumo Gallants advanced to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after defeating Ahli Tripoli 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Marumo Gallants 3-0 Ahli Tripoli (3-1 on aggregate)
Date: 09 November 2022
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Gallants were boosted by the return of Junior Dion, who joined Celimpilo Ngema and Katlego Otladisa upfront in the attacking line-up in place of defender Lesiba Nku.
Dion missed the narrow 1-0 loss in the first-leg in Benghazi a week ago after Anis Mohamed Saltou scored the only goal of the match for Al Ahli within the first minute.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa booked their spot in the group stage play-offs after cruising to a 4-1 win over Madagascan side Elgeco Plus in the second preliminary round.
Al Ahli, meanwhile, dropped down from the CAF Champions League after their were edged out by Sudanese outfit Al Merreikh on away goals rule following a 3-3 draw in the second preliminary round of the top tier tournament.
Dan Malesela's charges were quick off the blocks as Monde Mphambaniso gave them the lead on ten minutes and levelled matters on aggregate.
The Limpopo side did not allow the visitors to settle, as Celimpilo Ngema doubled their lead five minutes later.
Gallants took the 2-0 lead to the halftime break, but they carried the momentum into the second as Rhanga Chivaviro grabbed the third goal of the day, giving the side a two-goal lead in the overall tie.
As the second stanza wore on, Malesela shored up the defence with a tactical change on 73 minutes, as Nku replaced Otladisa.
Gallants continued to reinforce the defence in the dying as both Matome Kgoetyane and Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali entered the field to help defend the two-goal cushion on aggregate.
The South African outfit eventually held on to book their spot in the group stages for the first time.
Here's how they lined up:
Marumo Gallats: Arubi, Khiba, Gumede, Toure, Mabotja, Kumalo, Ngema, Mphambaniso, Otladisa, Molangoane, Dion
Subs: Ngcobo, Kgoetyane, Ravhuhali, Yidah, Mohomi, Mokgope, Koapeng, Chivhaviro, Nku
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