Marumo Gallants took a slight advantage in their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final after securing a 1-1 draw away to Pyramids FC on Sunday evening.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Pyramids 1-1 Marumo Gallants
Date: 23 April 2023
Venue: 30 June Air Defence Stadium
Gallants made two changes following their goalless draw against SuperSport United, as Katlego Otladisa and Monde Mphambaniso dropped to the bench that had only six substitutes and Sibusiso Sibeko and Letsie Koapeng were brought in.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa absorbed the pressure in the opening exchanges and nearly went ahead on ten minutes from a counter-attack after Ranga Chivaviro broke through on goal but he lifted his shot over the crossbar.
Pyramids were able to hold the ball for long periods, with combination play but the visitors had another big chance on transition around the half-hour mark after Sibeko broke clear on goal but his shot at the near post was thwarted by goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy.
The Egyptian side increased their pressure towards the interval as Mostafa Fathi curled a stunning low volley into the post and Fathi was denied again by goalkeeper Washington Arubi from a one-on-one and the first stanza somehow ended without goals.
The South African side were all over Pyramids coming from the break and their pressure paid off ten minutes later after Ranga Chivaviro headed home a cross by Lucky Mohomi from a corner situation and got an important away goal.
Gallants carried on to be on the front foot and Chivaviro nearly doubled their lead just after the hour-mark with a strike in the box that was well saved by El Shenawy.
However, the Limpopo side dropped deep in their own half in the closing stages as they looked to defend their lead and they packed the midfield with a tactical change ten minutes before time as Sibusiso Kumalo replaced Koapeng.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa were a threat on counter-attacks in the dying minutes as substitute Mphambaniso came very close to doubling their lead with a looping shot that was acrobatically parried over the crossbar by El Shenawy.
There was drama in the last minute as Pyramids were awarded a penalty for a handball by Kumalo, who raised his arms in the box. Ramadan Sobhi stepped up and sent Arubi the wrong way, as the Egyptian side salvaged a 1-1 draw ahead of the second-leg in a week's time.
Here's how they lined up:
Pyramids: Moawad, Gabr, Toure, Sobhi, Fathi, Chibi, Elkarti, Hamdy, Fathy, Essam, Saber
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Mabotja, Gumede, Nku, Ngema, Mohomi, Toure, Mvelase, Sibeko, Letsie, Chivaviro
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