Africa-Press – Eswatini. LOCAL CAF envoys Royal Leopard’s chances to reach the CAF Confederations Cup quarter finals hang in balance after they were beaten 2-1 by Al-Ittihad in an away match played at Mbombela Stadium yesterday.
The visiting side head coach Edwin Matsebula made two changes in his starting line up from the team which played with Orlando Pirates a week ago at the same venue. Goalkeeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini was given the nod ahead of Phephisani Msibi while Linda Mbuli replaced Machawe Dlamini at the heart of defence.
The visiting side got off to the perfect start as they scored in the 2nd minute through Muad Eisay. Leopard tried to regroup after this goal as they also launched a few attacks.
The match continued with Al-Ittihad having an upper hand as they would now and again threaten to score the second goal. They eventually scored their second after Omar Al bin Khounja beat ‘Mbhonyo’ to make it 2-1 in the 35th minute.
The match went to break with the visitors leading 2-0. After the restart ‘Ingwe Mabalabala’ came better side as they searched for a goal.
They would now and again force the opposition to defend with their hands against the wall The police side eventually pulled one back in 52th minutes as Al-Ittihad defender Bin Ali scored an owned goal.
This was after a pressure from Bongani Dlamini, who would now and then take the opposition defenders on. It was then an end-to-end staff until in the 90th when Ahmed Alhar was showed a red card after a verbal altercation with the referee.
The match ended in 2-1 in favour of the Libyan side.
Teams: Royal Leopard – Ncamiso Dlamini, Mlamuli Msibi, Lungelo Tsabedze, Sifiso Nkambule, Mzwandile Mabelesa, Thabiso Mokoankane, Junior Magagula, Sifiso Matse, Linda Mbuli, Mancoba Maseko, Bongani Dlamini
Al Ittihad – Mohammed Abukhares, Mofaseu Sabbou, Abdelaziz Bin Ali, Masaud Masaud, Muad Eisay, Mohammed Mhadbhebi, Ahmed Alharam, Ghazi Ayadi, Qmar Alkhja, Fred Ngoma, Anas Hamad
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