Wits now have a mountain to climb

Bidvest Wits face the prospect of another early elimination from continental competition after a goalless home draw in the first leg of their Caf Confederation Cup play-off with Smouha of Egypt on Saturday.

Clever Boys coach Gavin Hunt did not emerge for his post match interview after the game, as his side failed to score at Bidvest Stadium against Egyptian opposition for the second game in a row.

A goalless draw with Cairo giants AlAhly at home saw Wits slip out of the Caf Champions League before the group stages and the same will happen unless Hunt’s side can pull off a score draw or a victory in Alexandria on Saturday.

Smouha SC coach Moemen Soliman was delighted with the result.

“We faced the strongest opposition in the competition,” Soliman said.

“I’m proud of my players. They implemented the game plan well, but we could have done better.”

Wits also had their opportunities, with Gabadinho Mhango missing a couple of chances and Vincent Pule, making a rare start for the Clever Boys, drawing a second-half stop out of Smouha goalkeeper Mohamed Gabal.

Before the second leg, Wits will turn their attention back to the Absa Premiership, as they look to return to the top of the standings with a victory tomorrow at home to Golden Arrows.

Arrows should be in buoyant mood after their Nedbank Cup last 16 victory at Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

The last time these two sides met at Bidvest Stadium in the league, Wits won a thriller 3-2, courtesy of a late double from Daine Klate.

An heroic display in Monrovia by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams enabled SuperSport United to earn a 1-1 draw against Barrack Young Controllers (BYC). The two-legged Caf Confederation Cup playoff tie will be completed next weekend in Tshwane.

Platinum Stars crashed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ivory Coast side Tanda FC in their CAF Confederations Cup qualifying first leg. The return leg will be played in Rustenburg on April 16. – Additional reporting by ANA