Durban City claimed a 3-1 win over Port Louis in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second round at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Haashim Domingo and Gaston Sirino were on target for the hosts, while Dany Beehary scored Port Louis’ only goal of the match.
City entered the encounter after eliminating Burundi’s Rukinzo in the first round, while Port Louis secured their place in the next stage after knocking out Jwaneng Galaxy.
The Citizens made their intentions clear from the outset, dominating possession in the opening stages and putting their opponents under pressure. Eric Tinkler’s men created several promising opportunities and looked dangerous whenever they ventured into the final third.
Their early dominance paid off in the 16th minute when Haashim Domingo found the back of the net to give the South African outfit the lead.
Durban City continued to threaten, with Alou Doumbia coming close to extending their lead moments later. However, his powerful long-range effort was denied by Port Louis goalkeeper Kenny Hansley Alcide.
The Citizens continued to create clear-cut chances for the remainder of the first half but were unable to convert their opportunities into further goals.
Just moments after the restart, Gaston Sirino extended his side’s lead with an individual effort. The attacker drove forward with the ball, briefly lost possession before regaining it, and capitalised on a defensive error to find the back of the net.
However, the visitors responded minutes later, pulling a goal back following one of their rare attacking forays.
Port Louis, thereafter, kept on coming as they looked to level the scoreline after getting confidence from the first goal. Durban City, meanwhile, missed several chances until Tashreeq Morris scored from penalty spot in the additional time to make it 3-1.
The teams will renew their rivalry next Sunday, 25 October, when they battle for a place in the group stages.