Staff Reporter.
Marumo Gallants suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tanzanian side Young Africans in the first-leg of their Caf Confederation Cup semi-final on Wednesday afternoon.
Gallants had opportunities to get an away goal in Dar Es Salaam, but are now left with huge ground to make up in the second leg on May 17 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Young Africans’ DR Congo striker Fiston Mayele has previously been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, and has been in top form this season, his five goals in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup matched only by Gallants’ Ranga Chivaviro.
And Mayele showed glimpses of his talent in the first half in Dar Es Salaam, with one effort drawing a fine save from Washington Arubi early on, though his other efforts in the opening period were far too easy for Gallants’ Zimbabwean ‘keeper.
Mayele did also set up Jesus Moloko with a good chance, but he blazed over the bar.
Yanga started taking command of the game and led to a goal through Aziz Ki in the 64th minute.
Bernard Marrison scored the second goal for Yanga in the last minutes of the game.
In the end, Yanga walked away victorious and took a 2-0 advantage going into the second leg.
As a result, the second leg will decide who goes through the finals. The return leg set to take place on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 in South Africa.