CAF Confederations Cup: Marumo Gallants Defy Odds, Reach Semifinals

• Unbelievably, Marumo Gallants is going to the semifinals of the CAF Confederations Cup at the first time of asking
• Gallants saw off Egyptian team Pyramids FC 2-1 on aggregate following a 1-0 win at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday evening
• Bahlabane Ba Ntwa advanced to the final four thanks to Celimpilo Ngema's first-half strike out in Rustenburg

Marumo Gallants secured a place in the semifinals of the TotalEneriges CAF Confederation Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Pyramids of Egypt in the second leg of the quarterfinals at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

The first-leg clash between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw in Cairo last week, setting up a thrilling encounter in South Africa.

Gallants' solid display against Pyramids was enough to see them through to the next stage of the competition. Celimpilo Ngema's well-taken goal was the difference between the two sides, and the South African forward was hailed for his impressive performance at home.

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Gallants had the advantage of playing at home and made it count with a solid performance against their Egyptian counterparts. The South Africans started the match on the front foot, creating several chances in the early stages. They came close to scoring in the 25th minute when striker Letsie Koapeng's effort from the edge of the box went just wide.

However, Marumo Gallants finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Celimpilo Ngema scored a well-taken goal. The South African forward received a brilliant pass from midfield and made no mistake with his finish, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Pyramids tried to get back into the game in the second half, but Marumo Gallants held firm at the back, denying the Egyptians any clear-cut chances. The South African side continued to create opportunities, with Koapeng and Lucky Mohomi both coming close to doubling their side's lead.

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Pyramids threw everything forward in the dying minutes of the game, but Marumo Gallants remained resolute and eventually sealed their victory with a 1-0 scoreline. With a 2-1 aggregate victory over Pyramids, Gallants progress to the semifinals of the TotalEneriges CAF Confederation Cup.

They will now face Young Africans of Tanzania, who saw off Nigeria's Rivers United 2-0 over two legs for a surprise appearance alongside Gallants, ASEC Mimosa and USM Alger.