Durban City FC head coach Eric Tinkler was pleased with his side’s 3–1 win over AS Port Louis 2000 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Second Preliminary Round at Moses Mabhida Stadium, but felt the Citizens could have taken a bigger advantage into the return fixture.
City created several opportunities throughout the match but were left frustrated by missed chances, especially in the first half. Tinkler believes the team could have been more clinical in front of goal.
“I’m happy with the win, but not entirely happy with the result. I think we were very wasteful, especially in the first half. We had opportunities to score more goals, and we needed to take them,” said Tinkler.
The Citizens extended their lead to 2–0 in the 46th minute through Gastón Sirino, but AS Port Louis pulled a goal back to make it 2–1. Tashreeq Morris then converted a late penalty to seal the 3–1 victory, giving City a two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg.
Tinkler felt the goal conceded was avoidable and stressed the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the match. “After we scored the second goal, I think complacency set in. In this competition, you cannot allow that to happen,” he said.
Despite his concerns, Tinkler was pleased with the number of chances City created but believes the team must improve its finishing and remain solid defensively in Mauritius.
“We need to make sure we improve our finishing and remain solid defensively. If we can do that in the second leg, we give ourselves a good opportunity to progress,” Tinkler added.
The Citizens travel to Mauritius this Sunday for the return fixture, with kick-off scheduled for 15h00.
Holding a 3–1 advantage from the first leg, City will look to complete the tie away from home and secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the first time in the Club’s history.
