Stellenbosch FC secured their first victory in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on Sunday afternoon, edging out Angolan side Desportivo Lunda-Sul with a narrow 1-0 win at the Estadio 11 de Novembro.
This important match marked the first win for the South African team after suffering defeats in their initial two outings of the competition. With their confidence on the line, Stellenbosch came out strong from the start, showcasing their attacking prowess led by their front trio, including Andre De Jong, Sanele Barns, and Ashley Cupido.
After having been outplayed previously against Moroccan side RS Berkane, the Maroons entered this game without any points. Looking to redeem themselves, they faced off against Lunda-Sul, who had recently eliminated Sekhukhune United from the tournament.
The match began with both sides testing each other. Lunda-Sul threatened early on when Garcia Dias’ right-footed strike had to be saved by Stellenbosch keeper Sage Stephens just 10 minutes in. On the other end, the Maroons made their intentions clear as De Jong connected with Ismael Toure, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the area, but it struck the goalpost.
Stellenbosch continued to create opportunities; Thabo Moloisane had a chance to capitalize before the halftime whistle with a header, unfortunately missing the target. Lunda-Sul also found opportunities as they nearly took the lead with Cavalcante Ferreira’s close-range header just shy of goal.
After halftime, Stellenbosch shifted gears, starting with Cupido’s shot from inside the area, which drifted wide. Five minutes later, Jayden Adams tested the goalpost with his cross from Barns. The newly made substitutions by Barker began to pay off, intensifying Stellenbosch's offense.
Despite several missed opportunities, the breakthrough finally arrived late when Devin Titus managed to head the ball home following Basadien's precise cross, finding the net just as the clock showed 89 minutes.
This goal not only secured the three points for Stellenbosch but also marked their first group stage victory after two previously disappointing matches against Stade Malien and RS Berkane. Coach Steve Barker’s tactical adjustments and substitutions proved pivotal as they secured their first-ever points in continental competition.
Reflecting on the game, Barker remarked how significant this victory is for the team's morale, stating, "Stellenbosch FC qualified to play in the Confed Cup after finishing third in the SA league last campaign... with this win, we finally feel like we are on the right path."
The support from the players was invaluable, with the match indicating potential for growth as they now look forward to their next match, which also features Desportivo Lunda-Sul, set for January 5, 2025, at Cape Town Stadium.
With the victory providing both confidence and momentum, Stellenbosch FC has the chance to build upon this win as they aim for advancement within the CAF Confederation Cup.
