Agosto secure crucial CAF advantage over Green Mamba

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

G. Mamba………………………..0

Agosto…………………………….2

Xolani 53rd (OG), Machado 85th

LOBAMBA – CD Primeiro De Agosto took a giant step towards the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stages after securing a commanding 2-0 first-leg win over Eswatini’s Green Mamba at Somhlolo National Stadium.

The Angolan giants seized firm control of the tie ahead of the return fixture in Luanda, courtesy of an own goal from host defender Xolani Dlamini and a late strike from substitute Florindo Tobe Machado. The decisive second leg takes place on the weekend of 11-13 September 2026 in Angola, where Agosto will look to seal their group-stage passage on home soil.

Watched by Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngomezulu and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) CEO Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati, the visitors delivered a professional performance away from home.

Green Mamba came into the contest heavily fatigued following a grueling schedule of back-to-back 8Bet Trade Fair Cup fixtures against Red Rhinos on Thursday and Moneni Pirates on Friday. With further domestic action scheduled for the day of the match, the Correctional Services side were facing their fifth game in four days.

Despite the hosts’ heavy schedule, Agosto controlled the tempo early on and went close in the 25th minute when Fernando Da Costa headed wide from a corner. Green Mamba’s best opportunity of the opening half fell to Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo on 30 minutes, but his long-range effort was tipped over for a corner.

Both sides threatened before half-time, but the deadlock remained intact at the interval.

Green Mamba head coach Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya introduced a double change at the start of the second stanza, prompting a bright spell from the hosts. Xavi flashed an effort wide six minutes after the restart before Bafana Matse headed over the crossbar.

However, Agosto broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when pressure in the penalty box forced Dlamini to turn the ball into his own net.

Green Mamba searched for an equaliser and nearly found one through captain Sibongakonkhe Silenge, whose audacious attempt from the halfway line forced Agosto goalkeeper Mbala Mweni into a tip-over save.

Agosto put the contest to bed five minutes from time. Machado made an instant impact off the bench, scoring just sixty seconds after his introduction to hand the Angolan side a comfortable 2-0 cushion heading into the second leg in Luanda.