THE Black Leopards believe they will have the rare backing of the nation during a Confederations Cup match against Al-Merreikh of Sudan tomorrow.

The Limpopo team have progressed to the brink of the first round proper of the competition after defeating teams from Zimbabwe, DR Congo and Nigeria.

They will have a one-goal deficit to make up at Ellis Park tomorrow in order to book their spot.

Al-Merreikh won the first leg 3-2 in Omdurman.

They are coached by Brazilian Heron Ferreira and have dominated the Sudanese league in recent seasons.

Al-Merreikh have defended their league championship on several occasions.

Inspired by the two-goal hero from the first leg, Ahmed El Basha, Al-Merreikh will be looking to finish the job they started at home a fortnight ago.

On loan from Libyan side Al-Nasr, El Basha has proved influential for the Sudanese side in the competition.

Attacking midfielder Nasreldin Sheighel and Nigerian-born Sudanese international Kelechi Osunwa have also proven to be useful for Al-Merreikh.

Still, Leopards skipper Mongezi Bobe is confident of victory tomorrow.

"We've made lots of sacrifices to get this far," Bobe said. "It can't end here."