Historic Triumph! Tinkler’s Durban City Cruise Into Confed Cup Group Stage
Durban City made history on Sunday, qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the first time after a commanding 3-0 victory over AS Port Louis 200, securing a 6-1 aggregate triumph in their preliminary round tie.
City’s explosive second-leg display offered a stark contrast to their profligate first-leg performance, where they took a 3-1 lead despite squandering numerous chances.
Head coach Eric Tinkler had expressed frustration following that opening leg, noting that his side—particularly striker Jean Lubamba—should have killed off the tie much earlier.
However, Tinkler’s men left no doubt in the return leg. Veteran attacker Gastón Sirino opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Haashim Domingo doubled the lead in the 25th, effectively putting the tie out of reach. Early in the second half, Ethan Brooks added a third in the 52nd minute to seal a historic victory and book City’s place in the lucrative group stage.
Durban City will stand as South Africa’s sole representative in this season’s Confederation Cup group stage, following Kaizer Chiefs’ exit via a penalty shootout against Red Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
Tinkler’s side now turns their attention back home, making a swift return to Durban to host Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday.
