Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker remained optimistic about progressing to the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage after being held to a goalless draw by 15 de Agosto de Akonibe.

Having made the long trip to Equatorial Guinea, Stellies were held to a goalless draw by 15 de Agosto in their 2nd Preliminary Round First Leg tie at Estadio de Ebibeyin.

Read | Statement regarding unavailability of Danie Craven Stadium

“It was not an easy encounter,” Barker said after the clash. “There were a lot of difficulties within the game; the weather conditions, the pitch, but I think we applied ourselves well for the majority of the game.

“We were the better team, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to convert one or two of the chances that we created. But, the players have done well to come out of these conditions having not conceded.

“We’re prepared and ready to take the tie back home now and hopefully get the job done to get through to the group stage.”

Saturday’s encounter saw Stellies keep an impressive fourth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions, but the coach revealed his desire to see more output at the opposite end of the pitch as well.

“It’s always important that you don’t concede. Keeping clean sheets is key to winning football matches, but we need to still continue working on converting more of the opportunities that we are creating, and in the final third execution and decision-making.

“We have to be better at that, but coming away not conceded under today’s circumstances, and still being in a strong position in the tie, is very important.”

Read | Maroon Season Access now available for purchase

The return leg is set to take place at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town next week, but Barker insists his immediate attention is on the intervening mid-week Betway Premiership fixture against Golden Arrows.

“The obvious mindset and preparation turns to Wednesday’s league game, and once we’ve finished with that, we’ll start preparing for the second leg.”