Durban City FC's next opponents, Mamelodi Sundowns, were held to a frustrating goalless draw away to Wiliete SC in Angola on Friday. The CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg was overshadowed by a serious injury to Sundowns' key midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
Kick-off at the Estadio Nacional da Tundavala was delayed by half an hour due to lightning. Sundowns, who received a bye in the first round, created early chances with Brayan Leon seeing an effort cleared off the line. The game's major incident came in the 40th minute when Mokoena went down injured and had to be stretchered off, replaced by Bathusi Aubaas.
Sundowns were already missing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and defender Aubrey Modiba through minor knocks, with Ricardo Goss starting in goal. Miguel Cardoso's side struggled to break down a resolute Wiliete defence, with Tashreeq Matthews and Iqraam Rayners forcing saves but failing to find a breakthrough. The Angolan side, featuring former Orlando Pirates winger Gilberto, had a late chance saved by Goss from close range.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Tshwane next Friday. For Durban City, the focus shifts to their own domestic campaign. They sit 11th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points from eight games, a record of one win, four draws and three losses. Their goal difference stands at minus two, having scored five and conceded seven this season. They face a daunting trip to league leaders Sundowns on Sunday 1 November, a side they trail by sixteen points in the title race. Durban City's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five outings. They come into the match off the back of a 3-1 victory over ASPL 2000 on Sunday 18 October, which followed a 2-1 home defeat to Amazulu on Tuesday 13 October where Domingo scored their consolation goal. Other recent results include a 1-1 draw at Milford FC on Sunday 20 September, a 2-0 loss at Orlando Pirates on Thursday 17 September, and a 2-1 win at Rukinzo on Sunday 13 September.
Background and full detail: Goal.com
Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso has confirmed his side struggled tactically in their goalless draw with Wiliete SC. Cardoso said, "It was difficult to deal with a team that just wanted to play long balls," attributing the stalemate to the Angolan side's direct approach. He admitted his team lacked aggression in the box. This follows Durban City's 3-1 win over ASPL 2000 on 18 October, a result that leaves them 10th in the Premier Soccer League. They face Sundowns on 1 November.
