Durban City have been drawn against Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli, Tanzania’s Azam FC and Morocco’s AS FAR in Group B of the CAF Confederation Cup, setting up a demanding challenge in their maiden continental campaign.
The South African side secured their place in the group stage after progressing through both qualifying rounds, earning the opportunity to test themselves against more experienced opposition from across Africa.
Coached by Eric Tinkler, Durban City have made an impressive start to their continental journey, winning all four matches played in qualifying.
They opened their campaign with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Burundi’s Rukinzo FC, winning the first leg 1-0 before completing the tie with a 2-1 away success.
Durban City then produced an emphatic performance against Mauritius’ AS Port-Louis 2000, advancing with a 6-1 aggregate win to secure their historic group-stage place.
Tough test awaits Tinkler’s side
The group presents a significant step up in competition, with Al Ahly Tripoli, Azam FC and AS FAR each determined to progress to the knockout stages.
Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli bring experience and ambition to the contest, while Tanzania’s Azam FC will look to build on their own progress in African club football.
Moroccan side AS FAR also represent a formidable opponent, with their continental experience likely to make them difficult to overcome across the two meetings.
For Durban City, the challenge will be to maintain the momentum built during qualifying while adjusting to the demands of facing stronger and more experienced teams over a six-match group-stage schedule.
Their progress so far has demonstrated their ability to compete in continental football, but the group stage will offer a clearer measure of their potential against established African opposition.
Tinkler’s side will be targeting a strong start, with home results likely to be particularly important if they are to remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
The group-stage campaign is scheduled to begin in November, with CAF expected to confirm the full fixture details, including dates, kick-off times and venues.
