The Stellies sailed through to the group stages of the competition for the first time
Stellenbosch FC have made it to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup following a 1-1 draw in the second leg, and 3-1 on aggregate, against AS Vita from DR Congo.
Steve Barker’s men had to do it the hard way after Ismail Toure was sent off on the stroke of halftime, forcing them to play the second half with 10 men.
However, it is the South African side who scored first when Lehlohonolo Mojela put them ahead on enemy territory but their hosts equalised in time added on to force the 1-1 draw.
Historic achievement for Steve Barker’s men
The Cape Winelands side had secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg at the DHL Stadium last week and with the away draw, they advanced to the group stages with a 3-1 aggregate win.
It has been a great start to the season for Barker’s men who have lost just one of their eight matches with this being their first draw.
It is a historic moment for Stellies who will contest the group stages of a continental competition for the first time in their history following their impressive run in the preliminary rounds.
Will Stellenbosch still shine in the group stages?
Stellenbosch started their continental campaign with an 8-0 thrashing Nsingizini Hotspurs from eSwatini in the first preliminary round, following a 3-0 away win before prevailing 5-0 at home.
That leaves them as South Africa’s sole representatives in the Confederation Cup after Sekhukhune were eliminated by Lunda Sul from Angola on Saturday despite winning the first leg 2-1.
The Angolan side secured a 1-0 home win on Saturday for a 2-2 aggregate score, but they went through on the away goals rule.
