Stellenbosh make statement with win over Congolese giants As Vita Club
Stellenbosch FC made a resounding statement in the CAF Confederation Cup, securing a dominant 2-0 victory over Congolese giants AS Vita Club on Friday evening.
With the victory at the Cape Town Stadium, Stellenbosch have taken a significant step towards making history by qualifying for the Confed Cup group stage in their inaugural campaign.
The PSL side welcomed the 2018 Confed Cup finalists AS Vita in Cape Town after claiming an impressive 8-0 victory on aggregate against Nsingizini Hotspurs two weeks ago in the first preliminary round.
The Steve Barker-coached team beat Nsingizini 3-0 in the first-leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium before winning 5-0 in the return leg at the same venue.
Stellenbosch have also been in good form on the local front as they have started the new 2024/25 on a high note by beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 home and away in the two-legged MTN8 semi-final to set up a final with Orlando Pirates.
In their quest to dominate the game against the 1973 CAF Champions League winners, Vita, Stellenbosch came close to scoring in the opening minutes, but Devin Titus was unable to convert a chance from close range.
THABO MALOISANE GIVES STELLENBOSCH A LEAD
Shortly after missing, they scored an opener in the 7th minute through defender Thabo Moloisane who netted a powerful header.
Stellenbosch dominated the early exchanges of the match and scored a second goal in the 12th minute courtesy of new signing Lehlogonolo Mojela.
The attacking midfielder, who joined the Western Cape-based outfit from TS Galaxy in the off-season, proved to be a thorn in AS Vita’s defence.
On the half-hour mark, Mojela played an inviting ball across the face of the goal. However, Titus failed to connect and get his name onto the score sheet.
Stellenbosch went into the half-time break with an impressive two-goal lead, thanks to goals by Moloisane and Mojela.
In the second stanza, Stellenbosch maintained their dominance in ball position and prevented opponents from scoring a goal.
The Maroons held on to defeat Vita 2-0 and take advantage of the second leg, which will take place next Sunday, [22 September 2024].
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