Barker: Reaching the CAFCC group stage is special for Stellenbosch FC
Steve Barker has described reaching the Group Stage of the CAF Confederation Cup as a special milestone for Stellenbosch Football Club.
In the club’s first-ever continental campaign, Stellenbosch FC advanced to the Group Stage of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday after claiming a 1-1 (3-1 aggregate) win over Congolese giants AS Vita.
Having recorded a 2-0 win at home in the first leg, Stellies were made to overcome challenging conditions in Kinshasa where the team was reduced to 10 men following Ismael Toure’s first-half dismissal.
The Maroons were undeterred by their numerical disadvantage though, and broke the deadlock in the second half through Lehlogonolo Mojela, who fired home a powerful half-volley to effectively put the tie to bed.
Vita did hit back with a late goal from the penalty spot, but it was too little too late as Stellies secured a historic result in what was the club’s first match outside of South Africa.
Read | Langelihle Phili signs first professional contract with Stellenbosch FC
“It was special playing in DR Congo, in a special stadium, and in front of a special crowd,” head coach Steve Barker reflected.
“I feel that we deserved the result over the two games and that we were the better team, and we have now achieved our objective of getting to the Group Stage of the competition.
“It wasn’t easy, especially when we went down to 10 men as that left us in a precarious position, but I can only be proud of what our players have done, for the way they worked and for their commitment.
“We are a young club and reaching the Group Stage of the competition is very special for us.”
The draw for the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage will take place on 7 October.