Stellenbosch have one foot in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after thrashing Nsingizini Hotspurs 3-0 in the first preliminary round, first-leg on Saturday afternoon.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Nsingizini Hotspurs 0-3 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 17 August 2024
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Stellies handed Lehlohonolo Mojela his first start, in an attack that had Andre de Jong and Devin Titus. Meanwhile, Skipper and goalkeeper Sage Stephens earned his 100th appearance for the Cape Winelands outfit.
The sides were going at each other and not holding back in the opening exchanges.
Stephens was first called into action just after the half-hour mark after he reacted quickly and kept out a free-kick that took a nasty deflection.
Steve Barker's charges, however eventually broke the deadlock ten minutes before the interval after De Jong had a tap-in at the back post from teasing cross by Kyle Jurgens.
The Western Cape side had their tails up as they pressurized Nsingizini and Titus eventually doubled their lead just before the break after he capitalized on a defensive error by the Eswatini outfit.
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Hotspurs were fired up from the break and within the first five minutes they came close to pulling a goal back with a threatening strike from a set-piece.
As the game opened up, Titus also tested Nsingizini goalkeeper with an effort that otherwise the shot-stopper dealt with.
Stellies were awarded a penalty with 20 minutes to go after Mojela was brought down in the box.
Fawaaz Basadien stepped up and dispatched his effort from the penalty spot, as Barker's men were out of sight.
The second-leg is set for next week Saturday at the same Stadium.
Here's how they line up:
Hotspurs: Dlamini, Awuah, Lushaba, M. Dlamini, Nkhosingiphile, Khumalo, Kangumbu, B. Dlamini, Mavuso, N. Dlamini, Simelane
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Moloisane, Jurgens, Basadien, Mcaba, Adams, Nduli, De Jong, Titus, Barns, Mojela
Subs: Masuluke, Langeveldt, Mdaka, De Kock, Van Wyk, Palace, Mini, Boji, Oura
