CONFED GROUP STAGES DREAM LIVES ON!

LOBAMBA – A last gasp goal by Junior Magagula saved the day for Royal Leopard who ended up settling for a 1-all draw against visiting Mali’s AS Real De Bamako.

This transpired during a feisty TotalEnergies CAF Confederation group stages play-off match that was played at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday afternoon. The police team have a mountain to climb, come November 9, 2022, when they visit the Mali outfit for the second leg match after conceding at home. A positive result in the decider next week can guarantee Edwin Matsebula’s men passage to the group stages, where they are guaranteed a minimum E5 million based on yesterday’s exchange rate.

After conceding at home, Leopard must win by at least two goals. A draw by two goals or better, will also be enough to cancel the Mali’s side advantage. Leopard wasted three glorious chances in the first 30 minutes of play, with Magagula striking the cross bar. Captain Muzi ‘Mzoro’ was among those guilty of misfiring.The visiting Coach Nouhoum Diane’s troops managed to draw first blood to take a one goal advantage to the break. Moussa Kone took the lead in seven minutes into added time, netting a contentious goal after he kicked the ball while goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya seemed to had a grip and Benin referee Djindo Houngnandane authenticated the lead.

Frustrated

Frustrated by the lead, Ingwemabalabala returned to the second stanza pressured to equalise, only to meet a stubborn defence that was keen to maintain the lead. Leopard’s hunt proved futile and in the 80th minute Richard Arthur was introduced, reviving hopes for the home team but he too missed an audacious attempt with only five minutes remaining on the clock. Just before the sun set on Leopard, the enterprising Magagula pounced when he confidently took a free kick and nailed into the back of the net in exactly on the stroke of full time to restore parity.
Four minutes added time by Benin fourth official Adissa Ligali was Leopard’s final chance for redemption but luck was clearly not on their side as Arthur’s rocket volley aimed higher, sinking the hearts of the hopeful home team. The final whistle confirmed the draw and a bigger challenge for Leopard in their next visit to Mali next week.

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