JOHANNESBURG – Wits marked the start of their 2017 Caf Champions League campaign with a preliminary-round 2-1 defeat against Saint Louisienne at the Stade Theophile Hoarau on the island of Reunion on Saturday.
The Clever Boys have fared dismally in Africa over the last two seasons. But that was in the Confederation Cup, and head coach Gavin Hunt fielded a full-strength starting XI with a very strong bench away on the East African island as he showed his intent.
And it looked good when the PSL joint log-leaders took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break, thanks to a goal by the in-form Gabadinho Mhango in the 37th minute.
But the match was back on level terms when Andy Sophie found the net for the home side midway through the second half.
The Students threw numbers forward in search of a winner, but were frustrated by a determined home defence, and instead it was Saint Louisienne who clinched victory with a last-minute penalty.
The return leg takes place in Johannesburg next Saturday, February 18, and the Clever Boys will likely still fancy their chances of finishing off the tie at home; their away goal could be very useful.
If they can do that, eight-time Champions League winners Egyptian giants Al Ahly wait them in the first round proper.
South Africa’s other representatives in the competition, defending Caf Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns, had a bye in the preliminary round and start their campaign on March 10 against either KCCA of Uganda or Angola outfit 1º de Agosto.