Durban City FC will host ASPL 2000 in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup this Sunday. The match kicks off at 15:00 local time at Chatsworth Stadium, offering the side a chance to shift focus from a challenging domestic campaign. The club currently sits 11th in the Premier Soccer League with just seven points from eight games, having recorded one win, four draws, and three losses.
The continental fixture arrives after a 1-2 home defeat to Amazulu last weekend, a result that left the club 11th in the Premier Soccer League with just seven points from eight matches. They are 16 points adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, a gap that highlights the need for a positive result in cup competition. Recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings across all competitions. Their recent sequence of results, reading from most recent, is a loss, a draw, a loss, a win, and a win.
Recent results provide context
Their last victory was a 2-1 away win against Rukinzo in mid-September, with a 1-1 draw at Milford FC and a 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates following. In the loss to Amazulu, Domingo scored a 72nd-minute consolation after the visitors had built a two-goal lead. L. Sifumba, who scored in the 50th minute of the 1-1 draw with Milford, is likely to be a key figure again. The team has scored five goals and conceded seven in the league this season, leaving them with a negative two goal difference.
The team's lineup in that defeat featured F. Asare in goal behind a back four of B. Shandu, S. Ncanana, M. Mkhize and J. Mokone. K. Jurgens and B. Poggenpoel anchored the midfield, with S. Maseko, E. Brooks and L. Sifumba supporting striker Jean Lwamba. This structure may be retained as they seek a more solid defensive performance. Fans can view the full squad for the latest team news.
Little is known about the visiting ASPL 2000, placing the onus on Durban City to impose their game. A win would provide a significant confidence boost ahead of a daunting league trip to face table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns on 1 November. The immediate task is to handle this cup tie and use it as a platform to improve their league standings. The club's next fixture is that away date with the league leaders, who are first in the table.
