POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 25: Youssef Mehri of RSB Berkane and Katlego Mkhabela of Sekhukhune United during the CAF Confederation Cup match between Sekhukhune United and RSB Berkane at Peter Mokaba Stadium on February 25, 2024 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
Sekhukhune United missed out on a spot in the knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup after a goalless draw against RS Berkane in the penultimate match of Group D on Sunday evening.
Sekhukhune made six changes following their Nedbank Cup triumph over Highlands Park, as goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare, Rally Bwalya, Tshepo Rikhotso and Maloisane Mokhele were recalled while Miguel Dias and Katlego Mohamme, were given their first starts.Berkane were all over Babina Noko in the early stages but they could not progress past their organized defence.
The game was getting physical towards the half-hour mark, with neither side yet to get clear-cut opportunities.
Lehlohonolo Seema's charges were eventually reduced to ten men just before the interval after Jamie Webber received a straight red-card for violent conduct.
Seema tweaked his system with a triple change at half-time and brought more experience, as Sibusiso Vilakazi, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Lehlohonolo Mtshali came on.
Babina Noko started to combine going forward after that but the game opened up as a whole, as the Moroccan side also threatened in attack.
Oussama Lamlaoui had a chance to snatch the winner for Sekhukhune in the dying minutes but was denied by Sangare.
The sides shared the spoils in a goalless draw as Sekhukhune were eliminated in third spot with five points in Group D, five points behind second-placed Stade Malien with only one game to spare.
Berkane qualified for the knockout stages as they are currently top of the group with 11 points.
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