It wasn’t an ideal result, but even coach Eric Tinkler admits a 2-1 loss wasn’t the worst as Matsatsantsa were edged by a one-goal margin in the first leg of this year’s second-tier African club cup final.
Yes, chances were missed and a few errors were more glaring than others, yet coming up against the reigning champions who are unbeaten in the tournament since August last year, with less-than-ideal preparations following the FIFA international break and a delayed flight to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a 2-1 loss considering the circumstances gives the Pretoria club hope that success in the reverse tie, where even a 1-0 victory would be enough, is very doable.
An integral factor notably picked up via the television feed from Lubumbashi was the incredible home support from the Mazembe fans. Images and videos on social media showed the passionate supporters queuing up outside Stade de Mazembe two hours before kick-off, many dressed to the nines, while thousands donned in the unmistakable black and white strip.
In the build up to kick-off, the fans joined in song in spine-chilling unison, backing the 16-time league champions and five-time Champions League winners to defend their Confederation Cup crown.
Following Adama Traore's strike, there was pandemonium, the fans frenetic with joy to see their side take the lead. But then, in absolute striking contrast, the silence around the stadium was deafening after youngster Sipho Mbule’s rifled equaliser minutes into the second stanza.
Yes, Mazembe fans would have the last laugh and the final rapturous celebrations, yet they without doubt added a certain crucial element to the occasion, their unwavering support key in pushing their side to success.
And that’s what SuperSport need come Saturday evening if they are to lift a maiden continental crown at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
We all remember the sea of yellow at the very same stadium 13 months ago as Mzansi united behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who effectively won the 2016 CAF Champions League following that superb 3-0 first-leg result against Zamalek in Atteridgeville.
SuperSport will have to do it the other way around, but now a sea of blue is needed: for those 90 minutes, the gold and black of Chiefs, the skull and crossbones of Pirates, the shiny star above the Sundowns emblem and the league-winners medal of Wits fans all need to be temporarily put aside for national interest’s sake to rally behind South Africa’s latest club to reach a continental final.
In 10 CAF Confederation Cup games played at home over the two clubs he’s coached, Tinkler’s record reads six wins, three draws and one loss, while in SuperSport’s run to the final this year, the Pretoria club have played eight matches, winning four and drawing four. A draw won’t be enough this time, but the reigning MTN8 and Nedbank Cup champions have the potential and quality to win, a task that will no doubt be made that much easier with a vigorous and hyped-up crowd packing the rafters at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Lucas Moripe Stadium, 20h15 this Saturday, 25 November. It’s a date.