Tired legs cost SuperSport in final first leg

Mbule’s strike could prove vital in Atteridgeville

SuperSport United have it all to do in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final after fatigue caught up with them in their 2-1 loss against TP Mazembe yesterday.

It’s advantage Mazembe following their first-leg victory courtesy of goals from Adama Traore in the 18th minute and Daniel Adjei in the 67th minute at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi. Sipho Mbule gave Matsatsantsa a fighting chance with a superb long range drive, and the away goal could prove crucial in Saturday’s return leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium (8.15pm).

United ran out of steam with the core of their team having travelled extensively during the Fifa week.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will feel he could have done better to prevent the goals as both strikes slipped through his clutches.

Coach Eric Tinkler will look to use his experience of losing two CAF finals with Orlando Pirates to his full advantage.

He was forced to reshuffle his starting XI with Morgan Gould and Reneilwe Letsholonyane suspended while Teboho Mokoena is injured.

Defender Tefu Mashamaite came in for Gould while Mbule deputised for Mokoena in midfield.

Bradley Grobler let Mazembe off the hook, shooting over the bar from point-blank range in the 12th minute after winger Thuso Phala had provided a perfect cross.

SuperSport saw two more chances from Phala and Dove Wome go to waste before the hosts snatched the lead with their first chance.

Mazembe captain Rainford Kalaba orchestrated a second goal but his combination with striker Ben Ngita was stopped by Dean Furman.

Jeremy Brockie looked deflated as was expected after travelling three continents in a week due to his international responsibilities with New Zealand. The lethal Brockie was watched closely by defender Issama Mpeko.