(At Obedi Itani Chilume)
Y. African………..0
R. Leopard……..2
Masangane 59th, Thembisa 77th
FRANCISTOWN, BOTSWANA – Eswatini’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederations Cup envoys, Royal Leopard, have taken a major step towards the second preliminary round following yesterday’s 2-0 victory over Namibia’s Young African in the first leg of their qualifying tie.
The match was played in Botswana as Young African lacks a Confederation of African Football (CAF)-approved stadium. The win puts Leopard in the driving seat heading into the return leg to be played at Somhlolo National Stadium next Friday.
The first half ended in a stalemate, with Young African starting the game brightly and showing early confidence in their debut inter-club competition. They enjoyed a fair share of possession and earned few fouls in their visitors’ half as they dominated the early play. However, Leopard’s experience shone through just after the 30-minute mark, with a thunderous shot from Thokozani Tsabedze which was blocked by the host’s defence. Three minutes later, veteran Captain Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini’s shot was tipped over for a fruitless corner by goalkeeper Uanee Tjiparruro. Nothing could separate the sides going to the break.
The 2021/22 season Confederations Cup group stage finishers’ persistence then paid off a minute before the hour mark when Simanga Masangane broke the deadlock with a stunning strike.
Full article available in our publication.
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