Heartland lucky admits Dutch coach

Heartland coach Lodewijk de Kruif has admitted his team were lucky to stay on in the CAF Confederation at the expense of Cameroon’s US Haut. Heartland beat US Haut-Nkam 2-1 thanks to a stoppage time winner by substitute striker Brendan Ogbu to qualify for the next round on a 2-1 aggregate after the first match in Douala ended 0-0. "We were lucky to have won,” a relieved Dutchman de Kruif told MTNFootball.com after the match played in Owerri. “I never expected such a performance from the Cameroonian side. They played very well and I must confess we were lucky and am happy that we are through to the next round." Kabiru Umar opened Heartland's account in the 49th minute, while Fossou Fardice drew the Cameroonians level in the 79th minute after Ngane Herve was sent off earlier for a second yellow card. Second-half substitute Ogbu saved ‘The Naze Millionaires’ their blushes with a late goal in added time. The winner was vehemently contested by the Cameroonians, who claimed that the added time was up and refused to finish the game. After a 12 minute-wait, Togolese referee Faglan Houghnimon sounded the final whistle. Heartland will now face AC Leopard of Congo-Brazzaville, who knocked out CS Sfaxien from Tunisia. The Nigerian cup winners will host the first leg at the end of the month with the return a fortnight later.