Durban City FC have been drawn into a demanding CAF Confederation Cup group stage, pitting them against seasoned African opponents. The Nedbank Cup winners will face Moroccan giants AS FAR, Tanzania's Azam FC and Libya's Al Ahly Tripoli in Group B for their first ever appearance in the continental competition. The team's immediate focus, however, must return to domestic matters as they sit 10th in the Premier Soccer League with just seven points from eight games, having recorded one win, four draws and three losses.
Group stage matches begin in late November, running through to late January 2027.
A group of continental pedigree
Each of Durban City's opponents brings substantial experience. AS FAR are former champions, having won this tournament in 2005. Azam FC are making their second consecutive group stage appearance, while Al Ahly Tripoli reached the semi-finals as recently as the 2021/22 season. This contrasts sharply with City's status as debutants, though they qualified impressively by winning all four of their preliminary matches. Their league campaign has seen them score only five goals while conceding seven, leaving them with a negative two goal difference and a significant 16 points behind the league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The competition's group phase will utilise VAR technology, adding another layer of intensity. The fixture schedule is set, with Matchday 1 scheduled for 27-29 November. Durban City's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five outings across all competitions, a record they will need to solidify before the African adventure begins. This sequence includes a 3-1 victory over ASPL 2000 and a 3-0 away win against the same opponent, but also a 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates, a 1-1 draw with Milford FC, a 1-2 defeat to Amazulu, and most recently a 0-2 home loss to Stellenbosch on Saturday 28 October.
Balancing domestic and continental commitments will be the next major test for the squad, starting with a daunting trip to face the league-leading Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday 31 October. The team's final group match is slated for 22-24 January 2027.
Manager Eric Tinkler has attributed the 0-2 home loss to Stellenbosch on 28 October to mental fatigue from their CAF Confederation Cup qualification. Tinkler said, "We gave away too many turnovers, and that is obviously their strength." He confirmed the squad's physical readiness but cited mental strain after the two-legged win over AS Port Louis, which contributed to the defeat that leaves them 10th in the league. The team must now regroup for their next fixture away to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 31 October.
