Cape Town City got their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup off to a successful start with a 1-0 win over Young Buffaloes in a preliminary round, first leg clash at the Somhlolo Stadium in Mbabane, Swaziland, on Saturday afternoon.
City rang the changes for their first appearance in this inter-continental competition, with regulars like Teko Modise and Roland Putsche given a breather.
Youngster Shane Roberts was handed his first-ever start for the senior side after impressing in the Reserve Team. And, with new signing Matthew Rusike not eligible for this competition, the responsibility in attack was shouldered by Judas Moseamedi and Nana Akosah-Bempa.
Captain Robyn Johannes, currently suspended in the PSL but available for the CAF game, was used as a defensive midfielder as coach Benni McCarthy tried something new.
With a second leg still come, it was a tightly-contested encounter, with neither team prepared to risk. City kept their defensive shape, with Kwanda Mngonyama and Tshepo Gumede marshalling things, and on the transition they were always threatening.
Just when it looked like the game would finish in a goalless stalemate, Ghanaian-American striker Akosah-Bempa pounced to net the winning goal five minutes before the close.
The second leg is scheduled for February 20 at the Athlone Stadium.