Football

(At Obedi Itani Chilume)

Y. African...........0

R. Leopard........2

Masangane 59^th, Thembisa 77^th

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.

Royal Leopard fans in a jubilant mood as their team made light work of their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary opponents, Young African, yesterday at Obedi Itani Chilume, Botswana. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)