Durban City FC hold a commanding lead in their CAF Confederation Cup tie after a 3-1 first-leg victory over AS Port-Louis 2000 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. The result puts the KwaZulu-Natal side in a strong position ahead of next Sunday's second leg in Mauritius. This win comes just days after a 3-1 league victory over the same opponent, ASPL 2000, on Sunday 18 October.
Haashim Domingo opened the scoring in the 16th minute, his shot taking a deflection on its way in after a cross from Siphamandla Ncanana. Gaston Sirino doubled the advantage shortly after half-time, dispossessing a defender before cutting inside and firing home. The Mauritian visitors pulled a goal back through Louis Roussety in the 56th minute, but Tashreeq Morris sealed the win from the penalty spot deep into added time.
"Slotting the ball emphatically to the keeper’s left to make it 3-1 deep inside added time," said Morris after the match.
The victory is a bright spot in a mixed domestic campaign where Durban City currently sit 11th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points from eight games, having recorded just one win, four draws, and three losses. Their recent form in the league shows two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five matches. The win over AS Port-Louis 2000 follows a 2-1 league defeat to AmaZulu in their previous outing, a match where Domingo scored a 72nd-minute consolation goal.
Several chances went begging to extend the lead further. Fezile Gcaba rattled the crossbar with a volley in the 90th minute, while Jean Lubumba and Alou Doumbia were also denied. The team now travels to the Complexe Sportif de Côte d’Or in Saint-Pierre for the decisive second leg on 25 October, needing only to avoid a heavy defeat to progress to the group stage in their continental debut. Their focus will then shift to a daunting domestic trip to face league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday 1 November, a side they trail by sixteen points in the title race.
Background and full detail: durbancityfc.com
Goalkeeper Fredrick Asare's error gifted AS Port-Louis their away goal, the club confirmed. Asare spilled a cross before Louis Roussety scored in the 56th minute. This comes as Durban City, 10th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points, prepare for Sunday's second leg. "We had to overlook multiple missed opportunities," said Tashreeq Morris, whose late penalty secured the 3-1 first-leg win.
Head coach Eric Tinkler said his side were wasteful in their 3-1 first-leg win. "I'm happy with the win, but not entirely happy with the result. I think we were very wasteful, especially in the first half," Tinkler said. He attributed the conceded goal to complacency after going 2-0 up. The coach stressed the need for improved finishing and defensive solidity in Sunday's second leg. Durban City, 10th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points, have scored just five league goals this season.
Head coach Eric Tinkler confirmed the 3-1 win over AS Port-Louis 2000 was his first victory since taking charge. Tinkler said his side's lack of natural width is forcing a tactical adaptation, stating, "Where we kind of lack in our squad is we don’t really have natural wingers." He stressed the team must raise its standard from domestic play, as Durban City have scored just five league goals this season. The club sits 10th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points from eight games.
Head coach Eric Tinkler has praised the development of three former Cape Town City players. He highlighted Haashim Domingo's improved finishing, noting the midfielder has scored two goals in two games. Tinkler said, "Haashim has always been technically a very good player... He's looked to work on his game." He also commended Thabo Nodada's consistency and explained tactical adjustments have helped Luphumlo Sifumba flourish as a false winger. The update comes as Durban City, 10th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points, prepare for the second leg.
