Durban City showed their determination right from the start, eager to secure a robust lead at home. The home team opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Haashim Domingo launched a left-footed shot from inside the box that took a deflection, misleading the goalkeeper into the net. The former Cape Town City player, back with Tinkler for another stint, seized the opportunity after Jean Lubamba delivered a precise header into his path.

Just two minutes later, Alou Doumbia came close to doubling the lead with a fierce long-range attempt, which was expertly tipped over the bar by AS Port Louis goalkeeper Julian Chung for a corner.

Continuing their dominance, Durban City remained aware of the potential threat from AS Port Louis, who had previously ousted Botswana giants Jwaneng Galaxy. As halftime approached, Bandile Shandu, a CAF Confederation Cup finalist with Orlando Pirates in 2022, sent a pinpoint cross to Lubamba, but the hero from last season’s Nedbank Cup final misfired on his volley, sending it wide of the goal.

How Did Eric Tinkler’s Team Cement Their Lead?

Durban City struck right after the restart. Only seconds into the second half, Gaston Sirino received the ball and hit a sharp shot past Chung, extending their lead to 2-0 in the 46th minute—much to Tinkler’s relief from the sidelines.

Nevertheless, AS Port Louis struck back with a key goal in the 57th minute. A cross from the right slipped through the hands of Durban City goalkeeper Frederick Asare, allowing Louis Yowan to react swiftly and score an essential away goal for the visiting team.

Late Excitement and Tashreeq Morris’s Penalty

In the 80th minute, Durban City missed another crucial chance to increase their lead. Luphumlo Sifumba delivered a perfectly timed cross across the goalmouth, only for Lubamba to misjudge the ball from close range—much to Tinkler’s disbelief. Moments later, Fezile Gcaba unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar.

Durban City finally secured their third goal during stoppage time. Lubamba was fouled inside the penalty area by goalkeeper Chung, leading Malagasy referee Hery Tiana to award a penalty.

Substitute Tashreeq Morris confidently converted the penalty into the bottom corner in the 93rd minute, sealing the 3-1 win.

With a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg next weekend in Mauritius, only time will tell if those missed opportunities will haunt Durban City when the teams meet again on Sunday.