Durban City secured a 3-1 victory over AS Port Louis 2000 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The result gives the South African side a two-goal advantage ahead of the return fixture as they pursue a place in the group stages.

Under head coach Eric Tinkler, the Citizens started the match positively, taking control of possession and putting the visitors under pressure in the opening stages. Their attacking approach created several opportunities as they looked to make the most of playing on home soil.

Durban City’s early efforts were rewarded in the 16th minute when Haashim Domingo found the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The goal reflected their strong start and allowed them to continue pushing forward.

The home side remained dangerous in attack and came close to extending their advantage shortly afterwards. Alou Doumbia unleashed a powerful long-range effort, but Port Louis goalkeeper Kenny Hansley Alcide produced an important save to keep his team in the contest.

Despite creating further opportunities, Durban City could not find another goal before the interval. They went into half-time leading 1-0, leaving the visitors with an opportunity to respond after the restart.

The Citizens made a strong start to the second half and doubled their advantage through Gaston Sirino. The attacker drove forward with the ball, briefly lost possession and recovered it before capitalising on a defensive error to make it 2-0.

Port Louis responded a few minutes later when Dany Beehary scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal gave the visitors renewed encouragement, and they began applying more pressure as they searched for an equaliser.

Durban City continued to create chances but were unable to immediately restore their two-goal lead. As the match approached its conclusion, the home side needed another goal to strengthen their position ahead of the return leg.

That opportunity arrived during stoppage time when Tashreeq Morris converted a penalty to make it 3-1. The late goal proved important for Durban City, giving them a more comfortable advantage heading into the second encounter.

The result places the KwaZulu-Natal club in a favourable position, although they will still need to produce a disciplined performance in the return fixture to secure qualification for the group stages.

Durban City reached the second round after eliminating Burundi’s Rukinzo in the opening round. Port Louis also progressed after knocking out Jwaneng Galaxy.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Sunday, 25 October, when the qualification tie will be decided. Durban City will look to protect their two-goal advantage, while Port Louis must find a way to overturn the deficit if they are to keep their continental campaign alive.

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-confederation-cup/durban-city-take-1st-leg-advantage-over-port-louis/