SuperSport bow out of Confed Cup after draw against Modern Future
SuperSport United have bowed out of the CAF Confederation Cup following a 1-1 draw against Modern Future on Sunday afternoon in Polokwane.
The match took place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. In the reverse fixture, the Egyptian side won with a 1-0 scoreline on their home turf.
Future opened the scoring through Ali Zazaa in the 30th minute before SuperSport found the equaliser via a 69th-minute goal by Tendamudzimu Matodzi.
The draw leaves SuperSport United clinging to third place in Group A, four points behind Modern Future, who are well-placed for the knockout stage with nine points from five matches.
Below are some of the talking points from the CAF Confed Cup encounter.
SENIOR DEBUT FOR APHIWE BALITI
Coach Gavin Hunt handed academy graduate Aphiwe Baliti his senior debut. The talented youngster has been impressive in the club’s development structures.
Prior to the match, Hunt hinted at giving youngsters an opportunity. The Tshwane side has a thin squad due to finances. Their team is made up of experienced players and youngsters.
YOUNGSTER IME OKON CAPTAINS SUPERSPORT UNITED
Talented young defender Ime Okon was the captain of the day, leading the team from the back. This was the 20-year-old’s 22nd appearance in all competitions this season for SuperSport.
KEEGAN ALLAN STARTS FOR SUPERSPORT
New signing Keegan Allan returned to the starting line-up. On his SuperSport debut, the defender had a match to forget following a red card. As a result, he missed the last match against Cape Town City FC in the Nedbank Cup, Round of 32.
THULANI HLATSHWAYO RETURNS FROM INJURY
Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Thulani Hlatshwayo made his return from an injury setback.
The 34-year-old sustained an injury in December 2023. As a result, he missed eight games in all competitions this season.
In the second half, Matsatsantsa tried by all means to find another goal; however, they failed to find the back of the net. On the other end, the visitors pushed hard for a victory, but the hosts we solid and disciplined at the back.
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