Two South African stars abroad book their spots in the UEFA Conference League, while two more were eliminated from European competition before the league phase started.
In the early kick-off on Thursday, Olwethu Makhanya‘s Rangers FC were taken all the way to penalties by Czech side Jablonec FK. The Scottish giants had won the first leg 1-0 at home, but Jablonec equalled the tie in 90 minutes and then stole the victory with a 4-3 penalty shootout win.
Makhanya played the full 120 minutes in the second leg.
Meanwhile Thapelo Maseko was an injury-time substitute as FC Copenhagen secured their spot in the Conference League league phasing with a rousing 4-1 win over Inter Turku. The first leg had ended goalless but the Danish giants left doubt about their European pedigree in the second leg.
Goals in the 41st, 49th, 78th and 93rd minute, with Maseko setting up the final goal just a minute after coming off the bench for his European goal.
Mihlali Mayambela remained an unused substitute as his side Omonia Nicosia overcame a 1-0 first-leg defeat in a six-goal thriller on Thursday. A 4-2 win saw the Cypriot side progress to the UEFA Europa League league phase 4-3 on aggregate.
However, Danish champions AGF were undone by Portuguese giants Benifca. After already losing the first leg 3-1 in Portugal, AGF lost by the same scoreline at home and were beaten 6-2 on aggregate.
Gift Links featured for 83 minutes in the second leg but there is a silver lining, as AGF now dropped into the Conference League league phase.