Mbabane Highlanders missed a flurry of chances when they drew 0-0 with Royal AM in the preliminary round clash of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The two sides met at the Somhlolo Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the first leg encounter.
With co-coaches, Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela and Khabo Zondo sitting with club president Shauwn Mkhize in the stands, their charges were dominated by a side that last played competitive football in May.
Zondo and Malesela do not have the requisite CAF qualifications to sit on the bench in a CAF Confederation Cup.
That left Abram Nteo and goalkeeper’s coach Postnet Omony in the dugout for the afternoon.
Mbabane Highlanders dominated the action from the onset as they sought an early goal, missing a clear-cut chance by inches in the 4th minute.
Playing on artificial turf, it took the visitors a while to settle in the opening half.
Highlanders’ midfielder Kenneth Moloto hit the post in the 10th minute with just the goalkeeper Hugo Nyame to beat.
The hosts continued to waste chances, something they may live to regret in the second leg encounter.
In the opening 15 minutes, Royal AM hardly ventured into their opponents’ territory.
Highlanders were comfortable playing on artificial turf and in the scorching heat of Mbabane.
Royal AM’s first real chance came in the 19th minute when Thabo Matlaba flighted a cross, which Philani Khumalo directed into the path of Sedwyn George, whose attempt missed the target by inches.
Highlanders’ Tshwarelo Bereng skied his effort from just outside the box in the 32nd minute.
In the 40th minute, a block by the captain kept the game goalless.
Royal AM had more control of the game in the second half. However, they struggled to get the much-needed goal.
The return leg is set for Friday next week at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
