Currently sitting in last place in South Africa’s DStv Premiership, little was expected of Marumo Gallants in the CAF Confederation Cup this season but the club clinched qualification for the competition’s knockout stage with two games remaining after defeating Algeria’s USM Alger 2-0 on Wednesday. Nku Lesiba gave the Polokwane-based side an early lead before Letsie Koapeng scored in the second half to secure first place in Group A for Gallants who continue to play their home fixtures at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg. Gallants are on nine points through four matches, two ahead of USMA and six ahead of DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo who appear highly unlikely to catch the South African club.
Lesiba struck in the 7th minute for another hot start by Gallants, who came out attacking and overwhelmed an USMA side that hardly resembled the team that comfortably defeated Gallants 2-0 in their last meeting. The Algerian club featured 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN leading scorer Aymen Mahious as well as Botswana national team striker Tumisang Orebonye but neither player could find a way past Gallants’ reliable goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
The second half saw more attacking intentions from USMA but Gallants snatched their opportunity to put themselves beyond reach in the 75th minute. A quick direct attack resulted in two shots on the goal of USMA keeper Oussama Benbout whose second save saw him comically slap the ball to defender Haithem Loucif, who failed to clear before Koapeng swooped in and won the ball before finishing past Benbout.
Highlights of the match are below.
