Ten-man Stellenbosch FC advanced to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup after they won 3-1 on aggregate score in the second preliminary round.
The Western Cape outfit won the first leg last week 2-0 at DHL Stadium before they drew 1-1 on the road on Sunday at the Stade des Martyrs.
Steve Barker’s side was one man down after Ismail Toure was sent off in the additional time of the first half.
Stellenbosch had to come back and hold it firm in the second half. Fortunately, Lehlohonolo Mojela scored in the 71st minute to put the visitors ahead before the hosts equalised from the spot in 91st minute.
Sekhukhune United, another South African club that was in the Confederation Cup, crashed out on Saturday despite winning 2-1 over CD Lunda Sul in the second leg.
The Angolan club had won 1-0 at home in the first leg. Scoring an away goal in South Africa propelled them to the next round.
SUNDOWNS & PIRATES SEALED SPOTS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGES AGAIN
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates secured the spots in the CAF Champions League this season.
For the Brazilians, this was their tenth consecutive group-stage qualification since they started being regulars in the competition under the leadership of Pitso Mosimane.
Manqoba Mngqithi’s side will be aiming for the final this time around as they were knocked out in the semifinals by Esperance.
On the other hand, the Buccaneers qualified for the first time in five years as they were last in group stages in the 2018/19 season, where they were grouped with Esperance, Horoya SC, and FC Platinum.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t make it to the knockout round.
Four South African stars also joined Pirates and Sundowns in the Champions League with their respective North African clubs.
They are Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Elias Mokwana [Esperance], Khanyisa Mayo [CR Belouizdad] and Fagrie Lakay [Pyramids].
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