On Friday, Sekhukhune United made history as they booked their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the first time.
The Limpopo side secured their passage with a 4-2 aggregate win over Saint Eloi Lupopo in the second preliminary round.
‘ ‘ @SekhukhuneFc played to a 1-1 draw with St Eloi Lupopo today in the CAFCC
Sekhukhune progress to the group stage (won 4-2 on aggregate). pic.twitter.com/YzUAm322pe
— UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) October 1, 2023
Sekhukhune United started the game with wholesale changes to the side that lost against Kaizer Chiefs, as Edwin Gyimah, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Sibusiso Vilakazi were some of the returnees while the likes of Vusumuzi Mncube, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Nyiko Mobbie started from the bench.
The Congolese side were awarded a penalty on 19 minutes and Emmanuel Bola gave them the lead from the spot-kick, reducing the deficit to 2-3 on aggregate.
Sekhukhune were under pressure in the early stages but managed to absorb the pressure and went to the break trailing 1-0 but were 3-2 ahead on aggregate. Sekhukhune’s Head Coach, Brandon Truter, made attacking changes at half-time as he brought on Pogiso Mahlangu and Tiklas Thutlwa who both replaced Miguel Dias and Ntiya-Ntiya.
The changes had the desired impact for Sekhukhune, as Thutlwa levelled matters on the hour-mark and gave Babina Noko a 4-2 lead on aggregate. Sekhukhune got stuck in after that and showed attacking intentions with 15 minutes to go, as Mncube replaced Elias Mokwana for fresh legs upfront.
Lupopo pressurized the Limpopo side in the dying minutes with successive corners but Sekhukhune held firm and a 1-1 draw was enough to see them through to the group stages with a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Sekhukhune United have become the first South African side to reach the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, making history in the process.
