Marumo Gallants suffered a 2-0 defeat to Young Africans in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final on Wednesday afternoon.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Young Africans 2-0 Marumo Gallants
Date: 09 May 2023
Venue: Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium
The South African outfit recalled Letsie Koapeng and Monde Mphambaniso after the 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns last week, while Lesiba Nku, who has three goals in the competitions, was not available.
The encounter also saw the top scorers in the tournament go head-to-head, as Gallants' Ranga Chivaviro sits on six goals and Africans striker Fiston Mayele leads the way with seven.
The Tanzanian giants enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages of the first half in front a lively crowed, however they struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances at Washington Arubi's goal.
Young Africans carved out the first serious chance in the 32nd minute an un-marked Jesus Moloko got on the end of a cross at the far post, but the Congolese midfielder failed to hit the target with only Arubi to beat.
Are you enjoying our new online stadium? SNL24.com is Soccer Laduma's new home. You'll not only get the best soccer news, but you will also be able to comment on articles, view other comments, save articles to read later and much more! SIGN UP for free and explore our new home!
The hosts were nearly made to rue that miss a couple minutes later when Chivaviro played in Koapeng, who calmly slotted home from close range, however celebrations were cut short due to the offside flag going up.
The second half continued in similar fashion to the first, but the home side got the breakthrough just after the hour mark when Stephane Aziz Ki opened the scoring with a powerful first-time finish in the box that left Aurbi with no chance.
Gallants responded by withdrawing winger Katlego Otladisa after the 78h minute, with Sibusiso Nkosi while Young Africans had brought on a number of changes earlier, which included the introduction of former Orlando Pirates attacker Bernard Morrison.
Young Africans did go close to adding a second goal with six minutes to play when Fiston Mayele saw his effort crash against the crossbar with Arubi well-beaten.
The home side did get their second goal in the final minute of second-half stoppage time, with Morrison adding his name to the score-sheet with a close-range finish after skilfully getting past Arubi.
Here's how they lined up:
Young Africans: Diarra, Hamad, Mwamnyeto, Litombo, Job, Aucho, Mayele, Aziz Ki, Ducapel, Shomari, Kisinda
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Toure, Mvelase, Gumede, Sibeko, Manaka, Otladisa, Mphambaniso, Mohomi, Chivaviro, Koapeng
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
