Sekhukhune United advanced to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating FC Saint Eloi Lupopo 4-2 on aggregate in the second preliminary round.
Goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner returned to the side after featuring in the first leg, as former Mamelodi Sundowns star Sibusiso Vilakazi captained Babina Noko.
Lupopo reduced the aggregate advantage 20 minutes in when a foul in the box led to a penalty and forward Manu Bola had no problems doing the honours from 12-yards out.
Babina Noko’s overall cushion was in jeopardy at this point as Lupopo, with the away-goal in their grasp, now needed just one more goal to grab a group stage ticket.
This became apparent to the host who looked to go further in front through smart pressing movements by Bola on Edwin Gyimah near the half-hour mark, but the Ghanaian was on guard.
Although, Sekhukhune didn’t lose hope moments before halftime and in fact got a chance to pull one back from a move by Elias Mokwana to Chibuike Ohizu, who sent his effort over the crossbar.
Coach Brandon Truter made a triple change at the resumption, with Lebohang Mabotja on for Rally Bwalya before Tiklas Thutlwa replaced Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya to Miguel Dias sacrificed for Pogiso Mahlangu.
The introductions proved decisive with 60 minutes played as Babina Noko snatched the leveller when substitute Thutlwa popped up to beat Lupopo goalkeeper Simon Omossola.
Lupopo were desperate to regain the lead moments later though didn’t pose too many issues to the for Limpopo-based outfit.
With time running out and no further goals in sight, the match finished honours even and saw Babina Noko in the group stages in their debut appearance in the competition.
Confirmed line-ups:
Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Mkhabela, Ntiya-Ntiya, Tshibwabwa,a Gyimah, Diaz, Mkhize, Bwalya, Ohizu, Vilakazi, Mokwana
Subs: Sangare, Masiya, Mabotja, Rikhotso, Mokotjo, Mosadi, Thutlwa, Ncube, Mahlangu
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