A dramatic late penalty by Singida Black Stars denied Stellenbosch FC three points in a CAF Confederation Cup Group C match at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, on Sunday evening.
Stellenbosch thought they had secured full points following a brilliant goal from SA junior international Langelihle Phili early in the second half.
But a penalty awarded to the home side late in the game after a foul by Omega Mdaka inside the 18-yard box gave Black Stars a lifeline. Marouf Tchakei converted from the spot kick.
STELLENBOSCH FC SECURE CRUCIAL POINT DESPITE SOME MAJOR CHANGES
The visitors made a few changes to the side that played against Orbit College FC in the Betway Premiership during the week.
Goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke started in the goal posts for the South African side, with regular keeper Sage Stephens not available. Bafana Bafana defender Thabo Molisane captained the side for the match. Players such as Ashley Cupido, Sanele Barns, and Langelihle Phili, who were rested for the match against Orbit, returned to the starting line-up.
It was also a special occasion for SA junior international Phili. The 20-year-old was playing in his 50th match for the side since joining from AmaZulu FC.
The home side dominated proceedings in the first half and looked more promising to score than the visitors. Their first real chance of the half came in the 30th minute after Masuluke was forced to produce a world-class save to deny Clatous Chama. The two teams went into the halftime break with the score still at 0-0.
LANGELIHLE PHILI SHINES FOR STELLIES IN THE CAF CONFEDERATION CUP GROUP C MATCH
However, Stellenbosch came into the second half more rejuvenated and were eventually rewarded seven minutes into the half. A solo run from his own half by Phili saw him outrun Black Stars defenders and slotted home to give the visitors a lead.
Singida found the equaliser during the referee’s optional time to secure their first point in the group.
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