CAF Confederation Cup: AS Maniema Union survive penalties in Eswatini

Congolese club AS Maniema Union will take part in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after edging hosts Royal Leopard 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout in Saturday’s second leg clash in Eswatini.

A dramatic goalkeeper duel concluded the second leg at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, where Nigerian goalkeeper Detan Ogundare saved from his counterpart Makhanya Mlamuli to advance the Kindu-based club.

It appeared that the visitors would complete the job in regulation time after a strong start saw Dieumerci Lupini head in from close range following a brilliant set piece routine from a corner kick.

The hosts struggled to get into the match but after halftime, increased their attacking efforts to find an equalizer. Late on, they were rewarded for their persistence in controversial fashion.

A scramble in front of the Maniema Union goal resulted in a shot that was deflected over to Eswatini national team star Felix Badenhorst, who turned in from close range for a goal that was allowed to stand even though it looked like Badenhorst was clearly offsides.

But despite the late equalizer, the Congolese club kept their composure. With the second leg going straight to penalty kicks after ending 2-2 on the aggregate score, a tense series of spot kicks ended with Mlamluli stepping up and seeing his spot kick well saved to send Maniema Union through.

The side from DR Congo will learn their group stage opponents on November 3 when the draw takes place in Johannesburg.