Stellenbosch cruise into CAF Confederation Cup group stages with 4-1 win at Athlone

Stellenbosch FC’s second African adventure can now begin in earnest after they cruised through to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages with a 4-1 victory at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

Steve Barker’s team famously reached the semi-finals at their first attempt last season, but were locked at 0-0 heading into the second-round qualifying tie against Equatorial Guinean side 15 de Agosto de Akonibe. But Stellies were dominant from the outset and should have put the match to bed as a contest within the first 10 minutes.

The 15 de Agosto right post proved to be the visitors’ best defender during this period, with Sanele Barns and Thabo Moloisane both being denied by it.

Bradley Mojela, who had an industrious afternoon in search of his first goal since last year’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, also skimmed the post with his shot after a mazy run through the heart of the 15 de Agosto defence. But the dam wall was bound to burst due to Stellies’ consistent pressure, and it ultimately did when Mojela was brought down inside the visitors’ 18-yard area.

The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty, which allowed Thato Khiba to comfortably convert from the spot to put Stellies in the lead.

Barker would still have been concerned on the sidelines due to his team’s profligacy in front of goal, which admittedly continued throughout the match with a host of chances missed by the home side. A 15 de Agosto equaliser at that stage would have given the visitors the advantage on the away goals rule.

He could eventually, though, breathe much easier when Stellies finally converted their dominance and possession into goals.

Barns added a second in the 54th minute before New Zealander Andre de Jong slotted home his third goal in two matches six minutes later. Stellies continued to create chances aplenty, with Mojela pressing hard for his goal but unable to convert before he was substituted with 20 minutes remaining.

The Equatorial Guineans, though, have to be commended for their spirit and endeavour, as they never dropped their heads despite being 3-0 down with the match effectively over as a contest. They were rewarded for their efforts when the wonderfully named Thierry Henri Ibeng Tama pulled a goal back in the 80th minute.

Stellies continued to pour forward and should have added a fourth through Khomotjo Lekoloane, who wasted a clear-cut chance two minutes later.

The home support, though, did have more to cheer when Chumani Butsaka restored Stellies’ three-goal lead to see the Maroons comfortably through to the group stages.