Al Ahli Tripoli claimed a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first-leg at Martyrs of February Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The home side scored as early as one minute into the showdown.
After a scrappy start in the opening first half, clear-cut opportunities were scarce, with both sides predominantly concentrating on defending their goal.
Al Ahli showed resistance at the back and tried to create chances via set pieces.
The visitors mainly tried to test the hosts’ goalkeeper from a distance, however, their efforts were fruitless.
However, the Libyan side dominated possession and controlled proceedings for the majority of the first period but could not add to the scoreline.
The showpiece went into the half-time break with a 1-0 scoreline in favour of Al Ahli.
Back out for the last 45, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa began the second stanza on a high note and came close to finding an equaliser.
But the home side regained their confidence when the second half wore on.
The unfazed visitors did not sit back and watch their opponents come at them, instead, they pushed forward in numbers to prevail Al Ahli on their own turf.
Marumo showed plenty of desire to wrap up the match level and but luck was not on their side.
In the end, it was the Al Ahli who walked away victorious with a vital away goal that might work to their advantage when they Malesela’s troops at home.
Meanwhile, in other results, Royal AM succumbed to a 2-0 defeat away from home to the Congolese side, TP Mazembe.
Whereas Cape Town City played out to a goalless draw against Algeria’s USM Alger at DHL Stadium this evening.
The second leg matches are scheduled for 9 November 2022.
These return leg fixtures are deemed crucial as winners will cruise their way into the group stage of the 2022/23 CAF Confederation Cup will.
