Gallants rue missed chances as Young Africans grab Confed Cup advantage

Marumo Gallants have left themselves plenty to do to reach the final of the Caf Confederation Cup, after losing the first leg of their semifinal 2-0 to Tanzania’s Young Africans at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday.

Gallants had opportunities to get an away goal in Dar Es Salaam, but are now left with huge ground to make up in the second leg on May 17 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Young Africans’ DR Congo striker Fiston Mayele has previously been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, and has been in top form this season, his five goals in this season’s Caf Confederation Cup matched only by Gallants’ Ranga Chivaviro.

And Mayele showed glimpses of his talent in the first half in Dar Es Salaam, with one effort drawing a fine save from Washington Arubi early on, though his other efforts in the opening period were far too easy for Gallants’ Zimbabwean ‘keeper.

Mayele did also set up Jesus Moloko with a good chance, but he blazed over the bar.

Gallants did offer a threat on the break, and even had the ball in the back of the net, following a lovely move, where Chivaviro sent Letsie Koapeng through, and he calmly lifted the ball over Djigui Diarra.

Unfortunately for Koapeng, he was just offside as he received Chivaviro’s pass, and the goal was ruled out.

Missed Chances

Gallants should have gone in front in the 49^th minute, as Yannick Bangala gave away posession and Katlego Otladisa ran through on goal, but fired into the side netting.

The Limpopo side had another opportunity five minutes later, as Diarra made a total hash of a cross, but Koapeng couldn’t capitalise.

And barely a minute after that, Lucky Mohomi produced a lovely flick that set Chivaviro away, but he blasted wide with only Diarra to beat.

Gallants were on the front foot now and Chivaviro got clear again, this time firing on target but Diarra produced a good save diving to his left.

Arubi then survived a scare at the other end, as substitute Lomalissa Mutambala’s cross beat his flailing hand, but came back off the bar.

Young Africans went in front in the 64^th minute as Bangala released Tulisa Kisinda, whose cut-back found Stephane Aziz Ki, and he fired into the top corner of the net to send the home crowd wild.

It could have got worse for Gallants with five minutes left as Mayele’s shot beat Arubi but came back off the bar. And Young Africans did get their second goal in the final minute, as the home side broke upfield, and Mayele set up Bernard Morrison, the former Orlando Pirates man beating Arubi at the second attempt.