Patrick Maswanganyi and his new club Al Khaldiya picked up their first victory in the AFC Asian Champions League on Wednesday night. The Bahrain side beat Al-Wahda FC 2-1 away from home after trailing in the second half.

Al Khaldiya had managed only one point from their opening three group games. They also lost the first meeting against Al-Wahda 2-1 a week earlier. On Wednesday they fell behind again when Christian Benteke scored for the hosts after 55 minutes.

Maswanganyi, who is known to South African fans as Tito, came off the bench in the 65th minute. Just two minutes later his side equalised through Mohamed Al Romaihi. Saifeddine Bouhra then completed the turnaround with the winner in the 72nd minute. The late comeback gave Al Khaldiya a much-needed three points and revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

The result moves Al Khaldiya to four points from four matches in Group A. Al-Wahda stay top of the group on nine points after suffering their first defeat of the campaign. Al Khaldiya still have two games left. They face Nasaf and Al Kuwait in their final fixtures as they chase a place in the next round.

Maswanganyi joined Al Khaldiya from Orlando Pirates in August. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder left the Buccaneers after establishing himself as a popular player at the club. He has settled quickly in Bahrain and has already made an impact in the domestic league. Wednesday’s appearance was another important moment as he continues to adapt to life abroad.

For many South African supporters the result is encouraging. Maswanganyi remains part of the Bafana Bafana set-up, and strong performances overseas can only help his chances of staying in the national team picture. Al Khaldiya’s first win of the group stage also shows the side is growing in confidence at the right time.

With two matches still to play, the Bahrain club are still in the fight. Maswanganyi’s late introduction and the immediate response from his teammates offered a clear sign that the team can recover from setbacks. Fans of the former Pirates man will be watching closely to see how he builds on this positive step in the Asian Champions League.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2118041523430318409?a=7MsJ3vPNkTDnHA6oJuQ&s=19