Sekhukhune United have been eliminated from the Caf Confederation Cup on an away goal rule despite defeating Lunda Sul FC 2-1 on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Babina Noko had lost the first leg by a solitary goal and needed a favourbale result to advance.
A sizable crowd had turned up to cheer their team who had played in the group stage in the previous campaign.
A good start for Sehukhune but…
In the early exchanges, both teams pushed for a crucial opener, but it was the hosts who were hungrier considering the fact that they were trailing after the initial meeting.
The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute courtesy of Keletso Makgalwa. A well-worked set-piece ended with the ball in the attackers' way, and he made no mistake from close range.
The visitors responded by changing their tactics in search of the equalizer before the end of the first half.
Guilherme delivered the important strike five minutes into the break and gave his team something to hold on to.
Babina Noko win not enough
Lunda Sul employed a defensive approach after the break as the hosts pushed desperately for the second goal.
After several missed chances for the Premier Soccer League, new signing Keletso Makgalwa managed to get his brace and the club's second in the 68th minute.
However, despite a spirited fight by Babina Noko, Lunda Sul held on to advance on an away goal.
Sekhukhune United will now focus on domestic assignments hoping to get another chance to represent the nation next season. On Wednesday, the Lehlohonolo Seema-led team will host Chippa United in the Premier Soccer League outing.
