Stellenbosch FC suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to CR Belouizdad in their CAF Confederation Cup Group C encounter on Sunday afternoon.

The match started in a similar fashion to last weekend’s reverse fixture, in which Stellenbosch suffered a 2-0 defeat, as Belouizdad once again took an early lead, this time through Mohamed Ben Hamouda whose looping effort left Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens flat-footed.

The Algerians nearly doubled their advantage soon after when they found the back of the net once more, but the linesman’s flag was already raised to rule the goal out for offside.

That reprieve seemed to spur Stellenbosch on, and the Maroons nearly struck back on the half-hour mark. Chumani Butsaka embarked on a mazy run and picked out Wonderboy Makhubu, but the debutant’s strike was blocked en route to goal.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, who scored on his debut in a league clash last week, came close with an effort late in the half, but the leveller remained elusive as Stellies headed into the half-time break trailing by a goal to nil.

The hosts’ attempts to get back into the game were frustrated by theatrics and time-wasting in the second stanza, but that didn’t stop the side from the Cape Winelands from pushing forward in search of their goal.

Substitute Langelihle Phili fired wide with just over an hour played before Makhubu and Butsaka came close in quick succession as the game neared its conclusion.

However, just as it seemed as though Gavin Hunt’s side would level matters, Belouizdad struck twice more at the death through Abdennour Belhocini and Islam Abacci to put the tie to bed.

The result leaves Stellenbosch at the foot of the Group C standings on four points, level with third-placed Singida Black Stars and two points behind AS Otoho, who the club will face in Congo Brazzaville next weekend.

Stellenbosch FC starting XI: Stephens, Enyinnaya, Stanic, Lebusa (Kodisang 88′), Jooste (Phili 60′), Tiwani, Palace (Mokobodi 88′), Jabaar (Titus 60′), Butsaka, Makhubu, Mabasa (Cupido 60′)