Durban City Make History With Stunning CAF Confederation Cup Qualification

Durban City Make History With Stunning 6-1 Aggregate Victory to Reach CAF Confederation Cup Group Stages

Durban City have written a new chapter in their history after securing their first-ever qualification for the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup with a commanding 6-1 aggregate victory over Mauritian side AS Port Louis 2000.

The South African outfit confirmed their place in the next phase on Sunday, 25 October 2026, following an impressive 3-0 victory in the second leg at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius. Having won the first leg 3-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, the Citizens completed the job with another convincing performance away from home.

Under the leadership of head coach Eric Tinkler, Durban City approached the return fixture with determination, refusing to rely solely on their first-leg advantage. Instead, they delivered an attacking display that demonstrated their ambition to compete against some of Africa's established football clubs.

Gaston Sirino opened the scoring in the 12th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage and strengthening their control of the tie. The experienced attacker once again proved his importance to the team, providing the breakthrough that made the task considerably more difficult for the hosts.

Durban City continued to apply pressure, and their efforts produced another goal in the 25th minute when Haashim Domingo found the back of the net. His contribution extended the visitors' advantage to 5-1 on aggregate, leaving AS Port Louis with a mountain to climb if they hoped to produce a remarkable comeback.

The South African side maintained its attacking intent after the interval. Substitute Ethan Brooks made an immediate impact, scoring in the 52nd minute to complete the 3-0 victory on the day and seal an emphatic 6-1 aggregate triumph.

The result represents a significant milestone for Durban City, whose continental journey has now reached a historic stage. After overcoming Burundi's Rukinzo in the previous qualifying round, the club has demonstrated its ability to handle the demands of African football.

Durban City's qualification also provides a welcome boost for South African football following Kaizer Chiefs' elimination from the competition by Zambia's Red Arrows. The Citizens will now be the country's sole representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, while Orlando Pirates continue their campaign in the CAF Champions League.

Having secured their place among the competition's group-stage participants, Tinkler and his players will now await the draw to discover their opponents.

For Durban City supporters, this achievement is more than just another victory. It is a historic breakthrough that offers the club an opportunity to establish its reputation beyond South Africa and test itself against some of the continent's strongest teams.

The Citizens have made their intentions clear: they are not in Africa merely to participate but to compete.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2114372809585561918