Durban City FC took a major step towards a historic group stage debut with a 3-1 first-leg victory over AS Port Louis in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round. The win at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday gives them a two-goal cushion ahead of the return fixture in Mauritius this weekend.
Head coach Eric Tinkler was pleased with the result but blunt about the performance. He pointed to missed chances that could have made the tie safer. “I’m happy with the win, but not entirely happy with the result,” Tinkler said. “I think we were very wasteful, especially in the first half. We had opportunities to score more goals, and we needed to take them.”
Gastón Sirino doubled the lead just after half-time, but the coach saw a drop in intensity. “After we scored the second goal, I think complacency set in,” Tinkler added. “In this competition, you cannot allow that to happen.” AS Port Louis pulled a goal back before Tashreeq Morris sealed the 3-1 win with a penalty in stoppage time.
Domestic context
The team has scored five goals in the league this season while conceding seven. Their record of one win, four draws and three losses leaves them 16 points behind the league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns. Recent domestic results have been inconsistent, with the team's last five league games yielding two wins, one draw and two losses, including a 1-2 home defeat to Amazulu on 13 October where Domingo scored their consolation. Their most recent league outing was a 3-1 victory over ASPL 2000 on Sunday 18 October.
Attention now turns to the second leg in Mauritius, but upon their return, a formidable domestic challenge awaits away to Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday 1 November. Tinkler also addressed squad depth, stating a preference for a group of 26 to 28 players to foster competition, particularly among goalkeepers. The second leg against AS Port Louis, the next fixture for the club, kicks off at 15h00 on Sunday in Mauritius, with Durban City aiming to protect their advantage and reach the Confederation Cup group stages for the first time.
Background and full detail: durbancityfc.com
Head coach Eric Tinkler has demanded a shift in mentality ahead of Sunday's second leg in Mauritius. He warned his players against a 'tourist' mindset in the CAF Confederation Cup, stating, "We don't want to be tourists, we want to be locals." AS Port Louis coach Clarel Beeharry cited administrative errors and travel issues from the first leg but is confident of a comeback at home. Durban City, 10th in the Premier Soccer League, face a domestic test away to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 1 November.
Head coach Eric Tinkler has identified a lack of natural width as a key tactical issue to fix. He stated his squad adaptation is ongoing, explaining, "Where we kind of lack in our squad is we don’t really have natural wingers." Tinkler confirmed the 3-1 win over AS Port Louis was his first victory since taking charge. The team, currently 10th in the Premier Soccer League, faces a domestic test away to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 1 November.
