Gallants claim valuable CAF Confed away win in Congo

The South African franchise made just one change to the side that hammered Al-Akhdar 4-1 last week, with Tshepo Gumede coming in for Lucky Mohomi.

While there were some nervous opening moments for the Congolese side inside their six-yard box in the opening minutes. A tasty cross saw Mpho Mvelase head the ball toward the target, forcing a suave from St Eloi Lupopo stopper Morou Youssouf.

But it would be that man Mvelase who score the opening goal, this time with the help of a curling corner from Nku Lesiba, which he despatched into the corner in the 24th minute.

Just before the break, it was Ranga Chivaviro™s turn to get in on the action, driving him a cross from Celimpilo Ngema to finish off a superb counterattack from the visitors.

St Eloi Lupopo were rattled going into halftime, but showed no signs of it in the second stanza. A flurry of replacements and a new game plan saw players flood forward and keep Marumo on the back foot.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa gloveman Washinton Arubi gave the hosts a chance after a poor clearance, but Semiou Tchatakora's effort sailed over the crossbar.

Chivaviro would hit the post from a tight angle midway through the half, but otherwise, Marumo were forced to deal with wave after wave of Congalese attacks.

Their perseverance eventually came off, thanks to a brilliant freekick from outside the area by Peter Kabangu. The substitute found the top corner with a superlative strike, setting up an exciting final eight minutes, but Marumo were able to hold out for the victory.