Marumo Gallants maintained their winning start in the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating Congolese side Saint Eloi Lupopo 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Lupopo 1-2 Marumo Gallants
Date: 19 February 2023
Venue: Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte
The Limpopo outfit got their campaign off to a posutive start last weekend after thrashing Libyan outfit Al Akhdar 3-1 in their first-ever group stage clash.
Head coach Raymond Mdaka also opted for the same starting line-up from the win seven days ago, with Ranga Chivaviro leading the attack after scoring twice.
The home side, meanwhile, were searching for their first win the group stages after suffering a 3-0 defeat to USM Alger in Algeria.
Lupopo dominated possession from the onset, but struggled to carve out clear-cut chances at Washington Arubi's goal, while Gallants got the first shot on target when Letsie Koapeng saw his header saved.
Gallants would go on to get the opening goal on 24 minutes when defender Mpho Mvelase was left unmarked and guided home a header from a corner.
The visitors were able to double their lead just before the halftime break Chivaviro made it three goals in two games by turning home Celimpilo Ngema's cross.
Coach Mdaka then opted to re-shuffle the pack just after the hour mark, as the influential Katlego Otladisa made way for Sibusiso Sibeko.
Lupopo began to up the tempo and were nearly caught out on 77 minutes when Chivaviro struck the frame of the goal with the goalkeeper well beaten.
The home side did set up a nervy finish when Patou Kabangu fired past Arubi with eight minutes left on the clock to reduce the deficit.
However, Mdaka's charges were able to see off a late push from Lupopo to claim a second straight win in Group A.
Here's how they lined up:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Mvelase, Gumede, Nonyane, Mabotja, Toure, Ngema, Otladisa, Nku, Chivaviro, Letsie
Subs: Watenga, Khiba, Sibeko, Mphambaniso, Mdlinzo, Moseamedi, Makudubela
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