Citizens reach group stages in first-ever continental campaign after dominant away win

Durban City coach Eric Tinkler has heaped praise on his players’ commitment after they reached the Caf Confederation Cup group stage for the first time.

The Citizens qualified after defeating AS Port Louis 2000 of Mauritius 3-0 at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex on Sunday, winning 6-1 on aggregate.

The players deserve enormous credit. They showed hunger, commitment and togetherness throughout the tie

—  Eric Tinkler, Durban City coach

Gaston Sirino, Haashim Domingo and Ethan Brooks scored the goals to secure a comfortable win and a first appearance in the group stage of continental competition for Durban City.

“The players deserve enormous credit. They showed hunger, commitment and togetherness throughout the tie. Playing away from home in continental competition is never easy, but we remained focused on our objectives and delivered when it mattered,” Tinkler told the club media department.

“We will enjoy this achievement, but we must remain grounded. The group stages will bring a different level of competition and we need to prepare properly, continue improving and make sure we represent Durban City with pride.”

After taking a 3-1 advantage into the return leg on Sunday, Tinkler emphasised the need to avoid complacency if they were to get the job done. They kept their focus in the second leg, won the match and advanced, leaving Tinkler satisfied.

“I’m very pleased with the performance. We came here knowing we had a job to do, despite winning the first leg and the players approached the game with the right mentality,” he said. “We were disciplined, clinical in front of goal and managed the game well.”

Tinkler added that they will not rest on their laurels and will continue to work hard to achieve more.

“This is a very important achievement for Durban City. It’s our first-ever continental campaign and reaching the group stages is a proud moment for the club, the players, the technical team and everyone who has supported us.

“We are delighted, but we also know there is more work ahead.”

Durban will now switch their focus to the Carling Knockout last 16, where they will host Stellenbosch at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday at 7pm, eager to progress to the next stage.