Caf Confederation Cup: Ngema’s brace enough for Marumo Gallants to silence AS Vita
The star scored for Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in either half and are now set to carry a rather healthy lead into the return leg
Marumo Gallants picked up a morale-boosting 2-1 win over AS Vita in the first leg of their Caf Confederations Cup first round tie at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday.
Celimpilo Ngema scored twice to hand the Premier Soccer League side – who recently parted ways with head coach Sebastien Migne – the home win ahead of the return leg on October 22.
Ngema found the back of the net in the 19th minute before he registered a brace in the 58th minute.
The South African Confederation Cup representatives made four changes to the squad that lost to Golden Arrows in a league encounter before the October international break with Celimpilo Ngema, Matome Kgoetyane Lebogang Mabotsa and Maboke Matlakala all starting against the Democratic Republic of Congo side.
Gallants were visibly dominant and were rewarded with the opener when Ngema struck in the 19th minute after he tapped home a low ball from close range.
The home side held onto the slim lead, went for the half-time break and came back more determined than their rivals.
Thabo Mnyamane could have doubled Gallants’ lead in the early moments of the second half, but AS Vita’s goalkeeper tipped his effort over the bar.
As AS Vita – who were given a bye in the preliminary round – decided to sit back and launch sporadic attacks, their strategy played into Ngema’s hands, who scored his second just two minutes before the hour mark.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa made changes as the second half progressed, with Thembisani Nevhulamba replacing Maboke Matlakala before Edgar Manaka took Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s position.
However, they might rue conceding an away goal with eight minutes left to play, even though the visitors were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half.
Gallants – who have been quite impressive on the continental stage as compared to their domestic form – booked a date with AS Vita after beating Futuro Kings of Equatorial Guinea 4-2 on aggregate in the preliminary round.
Source: Source: Goal
