Stellenbosch steal late win against AS Otoho in Confed Cup

Stellenbosch FC in the CAF Confederation Cup. Picture courtesy of Stellenbosch FC/Facebook

Stellenbosch FC netted a late winner against AS Otoho D’Oyo in the first match of the CAF Confederation Cup group stages at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Steve Barker’s men found the back of the net in the dying minutes of the match courtesy of second-half substitute Ashley Cupido who gave Stellenbosch all three points.

Stellenbosch hosted AS Otoho in the opening game of the Confederation Cup group stages, aiming for a bright start with maximum points. The Winelands-based side has been forced to move their crucial CAF match to Polokwane in Limpopo, as venues in their province, Athlone Stadium and Danie Craven Stadium, do not meet the CAF requirements to host the group stages of the continental tournaments.

In the second preliminary round, which serves as qualification for the group stage, Stellies brushed aside the Equatorial Guinea side 15 de Agosto de Akonibe.

The Western Cape outfit is looking to replicate their form from last season, which saw them reach the semi-final of the Confederation Cup. They crashed out after losing against Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

In a match against Otoho of the Central Republic of Congo, Stellenbosch had an unconvincing start to the match after failing to string together good passes and trouble the opponents.

MUZOMUHLE KHANYI HAD THE BEST CHANCE OF THE MATCH

Stellenbosch FC. Picture courtesy of Stellenbosch FC/X

In the 20th minute, Stellenbosch had a rare scoring opportunity after Muzomuhle Khanyi unleashed a powerful shot from a long range; however, he couldn’t hit the back of the net.

After a dull 45 minutes with limited goal-scoring opportunities, the match went into the half-time break level at 0-0. In the second-half, both teams struggled to up the tempo of the match as both goalkeepers had a little involvement in action.

Stellenbosch made three changes after the hour mark, bringing in Ashley Cupido, Thato Khiba, and Sanele Barns in place of Khomotjo Lekoloane, Muzomuhle Khanyi, and Ibraheem Jabaar.

After bringing in fresh energy to the team with subs in the second stanza, Stellebosch stole the victory with a 1-0 victory against Otoho with a strike from Cupido.