Royal AM failed to advance to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after a 3-0 aggregate defeat to TP Mazembe on Wednesday evening, although there was drama off the field drama.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Royal AM 0-1 TP Mazembe (0-3 on aggregate)
Date: 09 November 2022
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
The visitors started Adam Bossu, who was influential in the first-leg win but dropped veteran Rainford Kalaba to the bench, whilst Thabo Matlaba featured once again for Thwihli Thwahla.
It was a strong start from the home team though where a header from Phila Mzila from a corner-kick shaved narrowly beyond the far post.
Royal AM battled to breakdown the Ravens around the midway period amidst the waves and waves of attacks, but the travelling outfit stayed resilient and kept Thwihli Thwahla at bay.
The Ravens started to cause problems as their confidence began to grow and closed-in to the lead through smart play by Bossu, but it was parried away to safety.
Mazembe pushed relentlessly towards the interval and were ahead when Bossu managed to get on the end of an assist by Kevin Mondeko and fired home.
Before the second half resumed, the visiting alleged on social media that their dressing room had been broken into, with passports and cellphones stolen.
#TotalEnergiesCAFCC #RoyalAmTPM
— TP Mazembe (@TPMazembe) November 9, 2022
Reprise à Durban. Les joueurs reprennent avec un gros coup derrière. Plusieurs effets volés au vestiaire pendant la première mi-temps (passeports et téléphones).
Thwihli Thwahla were under intense pressure again early on in the second half and could've gone two goals down when Jephte Kitambala's snap-shot from close-range fizzled wide of target.
Mazembe continued to pile numbers forward on all fronts in desperate pursuit of a second, but Serge Mukoko as well as Bossu was unable to capitalize and profit.
Royal AM didn't manage to cause the Ravens issues in light of the equaliser following the closing minutes, with the final score 1-0 in Durban.
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