Marumo Gallants FC registered a crucial 2-1 victory over AS Vita Clube in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first-leg on Friday evening.
Having just parted with coach Sebastien Migne, the host looked for a turn in fortunes following an indifferent start to their DStv Premiership campaign.
In as much as their Premiership journey being all over the place, Gallants have been different in the Confederation Cup with their preliminary round thumping of Futuro Kings indicating such.
Celimpilo Ngema saw the tenure of 'temporary coach' Raymond Mdaka off to a flying start when he prodded in the opener on 19 minutes from a free-kick on the left-hand side of the area.
Gallants managed to hold on to go into halftime well in front, leaving their Congolese counterparts with lots to ponder upon the resumption of play.
Vita's path to recovery were dented in the opening 12 minutes of the second period after Ngema noted a loose ball from poor defensive work to slot in on the rebound.
Two substitutions minutes apart followed from the host in the last 15 minutes with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo sacrificed and veteran midfielder Edgar Manaka thrown onto the field of play.
Vita regrouped from the slow phase of play and threw forth a consolation in the remaining four minutes, but it didn't transcend to a comeback as Gallants emerged winners in Polokwane.
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