Stellenbosch Coach Steve Barker Frustrated as Stellies Settle for Draw Against Singida Black Stars

Stellenbosch FC were held to a 1–1 draw by Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars in their latest CAF Confederation Cup group-stage fixture on Sunday. The result, while earning the Cape Winelands outfit a valuable point on the road, left coach Steve Barker frustrated with the officiating, which he believes cost his team a chance to secure maximum points.

The Maroons entered the encounter in confident form, having opened their CAF campaign with a dramatic late winner against AS Otoho and following up with a resilient 2–1 Premier Soccer League comeback against Orbit College, despite playing with ten men.

Singida Black Stars, coming off a 2–0 defeat to CR Belouizdad in Algeria, were determined to bounce back. The Tanzanian hosts dominated long periods of the first half, but both teams went into the break level at 0–0.

Stellenbosch began the second half strongly, and Langelihle Phili — marking his 50th appearance for the club — broke the deadlock to put the visitors ahead. However, the momentum shifted when Singida were awarded a penalty later in the match, which they converted, denying Stellies a victory. The match ended 1–1.

Despite the point lifting Stellenbosch to the top of Group C, Barker expressed disappointment with the outcome, particularly the officiating. He highlighted a key penalty opportunity that he believed should have been awarded to his team while leading 1–0.

“Yeah, look, in my opinion, we should have six points. Unfortunately, a key penalty is not given to us when we’re leading 1-0. Which probably makes us circle in 2-0,” Barker said. “I’m very disappointed in the officiating, but it is what it is. Players gave a good account of themselves. We had good structure, we defended well, we had opportunities on transitions. On half-time, that was the message, I knew, just one opportunity to get in behind them – we would get something which we did. And obviously, after that, we had to manage the game. Instead of getting a penalty to go 2-0 up, we conceded a late penalty.”

Barker added that the result could have been different had the refereeing been fair. “So, I’m disappointed in the outcomes of the game. I believe that was an opportunity to get maximum points,” he concluded.

Stellenbosch will now look to build on their unbeaten run in the CAF Confederation Cup as they prepare for the remainder of their group-stage fixtures, aiming to convert strong performances into wins and maintain their position atop Group C.