Algerian giants outclass Stellenbosch FC in coach Gavin Hunt's home debut

CR Belouizdad ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over a new-look Stellenbosch FC in the Caf Confederation Cup Group C match played at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday afternoon. 

The victory saw the Algerian giants entrench their position at the top of the group standings after completing the double over Stellenbosch FC. 

The Caf Confederation Cup tie was coach Gavin Hunt’s first home game in charge of the Maroons and the veteran coach was keen to leave his imprint early on in his tenure by fielding three debutants in Wonderboy Makhubu, Asheko Tiwani and Mosa Lebusa, who all only joined the club this week. But it was the visitors who drew first blood after 19 minutes through striker Mohamed Ben Hamouda.

A long ball was floated over the Stellenbosch defence, where upon first glance it appeared as if Hamouda controlled it with his arms before bringing it to down tap it past Sage Stephens. 

Despite fierce appeals from Stellenbosch, both for an alleged handball and off-side, the goal stood to put the Algerians into the lead. 

Hamouda had the ball in the back of the net again 10 minutes later, but on this occasion the official had his flag up for offside.  

The home side were warming to the contest and were beginning to create chances of their own when on the stroke of the half hour mark, the ball was cut back into CRB five-yard area where Makhubu came desperately close to opening his account for his new club.

The former Pirates striker made decent contact but was denied by a lunging CRB defender.

The intensity of the tie increased in the second half with a few fierce tackles been handed out by both sides.

Hunt looked to refresh his charges on the hour mark when he made a triple substitution, bringing on stalwarts Ashley Cupido, Devin Titus and Langelihle Phili.

The trio had a galvanising effect as Stellies came desperately close through Makhubu and Chumani Butsaka strikes, but it was CR Belouizdad that delivered the sucker punch when Abdennour Belhocini and Islam Abbaci secured the points for the visitors with two goals in the final 10 minutes.