SuperSport United defeated Club Africain 3-1 in the second leg of the Caf Confederation Cup semi-finals to clinch their spot in the final on Sunday evening, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
SuperSport sealed their passage in the final with a 4-2 scoreline on aggregate.
The Tunisian outfit headed into the encounter with a slight advantage, having mustered a 1-1 draw in the first-leg fixture at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville earlier this month.
The home side got off to the brighter start of the two teams and almost grabbed the lead in the sixth minute, but Saber Khalifa flashed his effort wide of the target.
The attacking duo of Ibrahim Chenihi and Khalifa continued to threaten the visitors, but the partnership of Morgan Gould and Clayton Daniels stood firm.
SuperSport grabbed the lead in the 16th minute when Reneilwe Letsholonyane’s great pass found Thuso Phala on the right wing, who in turn set up Bradley Grobler. He made no mistake with a bullet header, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Africain upped their efforts for an equaliser as SuperSport began to defend deeper in their half. Teboho Mokoena proved influential for the visitors in their bid to maintain their lead.
Tinkler’s side headed into the half-time break with a one-goal lead.
The visitors appeared rejuvenated in the second half and they were rewarded for their attacking efforts in the 52nd minute as Jeremy Brockie slotted home his tenth goal of the campaign to give SuperSport a commanding lead in the tie.
Matsatsantsa’s joy was short-lived as Africain were awarded a penalty, which they netted to make it 2-1 an 3-2 to SuperSport on aggregate.
Tinkler signalled his intent to shut up shop as he brought off Brockie for defender Tefu Mashamaite in the 61st minute.
Grobler grabbed his brace after beating the offside trap as he latched on to Phala’s through-ball and made no mistake from in the area.
Tinkler introduced youngster Fagrie Lakay in 68th minute for goal-scorer Grobler, while Dove Wome replaced Phala.
Africain failed to score the three goals needed in the remaining allotted time as SuperSport made history to secure their maiden appearance in the Caf Confederation Cup.