Marumo Gallants' CAF Confederation Cup journey came to an end after losing 4-1 on aggregate to Tanzanian side Young Africans in the semi-finals.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Marumo Gallants 1-2 Young Africans (1-4 aggregate)
Date: 17 May 2023
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Gallants made three changes from the 2-0 defeat in the first-leg, as they were boosted by the return of Celimpilo Ngema and Lesiba Nku alongside a recall for Lebohang Mabotja.
The home side had the challenge of breaking down a deep lying Yanga in the early stages and could not get clear-cut chances, as their first shot in anger was just before the half-hour mark as Ranga Chivaviro fired a shot that sailed over the crossbar from the edge of the box.
The game started to open up after that, with chances on either side as both goalkeepers Washington Arubi for Gallants and Yanga's Djigui Diarra had to make crucial saves.
The Tanzanian giants eventually broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark courtesy of Fiston Mayele with a strike in the box from a quick counter-attack, got a big away goal and were 3-0 up on aggregate.
Gallants made attacking changes at halftime to throw everything at Yanga, as Katlego Otladisa and Monde Mphambaniso were thrown into the fray in place of Sibusiso Sibeko and Mabotja.
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After committing numbers forward, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa were caught on another transition just after the hour-mark, as Kennedy Musonda guided a shot into the top corner to get a second away goal for the visitors and made it 4-0 on aggregate.
The Limpopo side were playing for pride after that and Chivaviro reduced the deficit on the night to 2-1 in stoppage time and 4-1 on aggregate with a header in the box from a cross by Lucky Mohomi.
Yanga reached the final for the first time and will play the winner between ASEC Mimosas and USM Alger on aggregate in the other semi-final, in the final.
Gallants will switch their focus quickly to the DStv Premiership, where they will face Swallows away in their final game of the season on Saturday, needing a result to save their status.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are languishing 15th on the table, equal on points with bottom side Chippa United and one point behind 14th-placed Maritzburg United, who have already played their last game of the season.
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Here's how they line up:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Mabotja, Gumede, Nku, Sibeko, Ngema, Mohomi, Toure, Mvelase, Koapeng, ChivaviroYoung Africans: Diarra Hamad, Mwamnyeto, Litombo, Job, Aucho, Mayele, Shomari, Musonda, Abasi, Kisinda
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