Sekhukhune United secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Saint Eloi Lupopo from DR Congo 3-1 in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The PSL side made wholesale changes giving some fringe players game time while resting most of the regulars.
The hosts were the first to open the scoring through Chibuike Ohizu in the 12th minute after an assist by Siphesihle Mkhize. But a lapse of concentration saw Lupopo finding an equaliser two minutes later through Mokonzi Katumbwe with a shot inside the 18-area box.
BABINA NOKO SECURE COMFORTABLE VICTORY OVER SAINT ELOI LUPOPO
Ohizu thought he had found his second for the home side. But the goal was ruled offside after pouncing on a rebound from a Jammie Webber free kick moments later.
The home side continued to dominate possession but couldn’t create chances. A few minutes before the halftime break a long-range shot from Webber found the Lupopo keeper well-positioned. But Webber scored a stunner of a free kick with five minutes to go before the break. Sekhukhune United went to the half-time break leading 1-0.
They made an early second-half substitution bringing in Rally Bwalya for Siphesihle Mkhize. The home side also showed more hunger to extend their lead. They were quickly rewarded when Tresor Tshibwabwa scored from a header in the 55tg minute to make it 3-1.
The lead promoted Sekhukhune to make a double substitution with Elias Mokwana coming in for Chibuike Ohizu. Jammie Webber was also rested with Vusimuzi Mncube coming on in his place. Substitute Bwyala came close for the home side with 15 minutes to go after he was left one-on-one with the keeper but his shot went wide.
Sekhukhune could have made it four or more but missed clear-cut chances towards the end. The match ended 3-1 in favour of the home side.
The second leg will take place on Sunday, 1 October in Lingwala.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED LINE-UP:
Renaldo Leaner, Katlego Mkhabela, Lebogang Mabotja, Tresor Tshibwabwa, Edwin Gyimah, Miguel Diaz, Jamie Webber, Siphesihle Mkhize, Chibuike Ohizu, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Kgomotso Mosadi.
SUBS: Badra Sangare, Siphosake Ntiya-Ntiya, Daniel Cardoso, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Mokhele Moloisane, Rally Bwalya, Vusimuzi Ncube Elias Mokwana, Tiklas Thutlwa.
RELATED STORY: Sundowns get off to a winning start in the Champions League
