Stellenbosch FC Cruise Into CAF Confederation Cup Group Stages With 4-1 Win Over 15 de Agosto de Akonibe

Stellenbosch FC booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after an emphatic 4-1 victory over 15 de Agosto de Akonibe on Sunday afternoon. The result capped a dominant display from the Maroons, who showed sharpness, structure, and attacking intent from start to finish.

Goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke returned from injury and reclaimed his spot between the posts, replacing Sage Stephens. Thapelo Mokobodi and Bradley Mojela also returned to the starting lineup, giving coach Steve Barker’s side a fresh balance.

The visitors started cautiously, but Stellenbosch wasted no time asserting control. Langelihle Phili almost gave the hosts an early lead when his curling strike from outside the box beat the goalkeeper but struck the upright. Minutes later, Sanele Barns came close again after a scramble in the box, only for the post to deny him as well.

The pressure eventually told. Mojela was brought down in the area midway through the first half, earning Stellenbosch a penalty. Thato Khiba stepped up and calmly slotted home to make it 1-0. Akonibe tried to respond but struggled to create clear chances as the Maroons went into halftime with the lead.

Five minutes after the restart, Stellenbosch doubled their advantage. A quick exchange in the box found Barns, who fired low into the bottom corner. The goal lifted the team’s tempo, and they continued to dominate possession and territory.

Midway through the second half, Andre De Jong added a third. He timed his run perfectly to meet a through pass before finishing with precision to put the result beyond doubt. With a comfortable lead, Barker made tactical changes, introducing Omega Mdaka, Ibraheem Jabaar, and Chumani Butsaka to maintain intensity.

Akonibe pulled one back late in the match when Tama’s quick shot from a tight angle wrong-footed Masuluke and found the net. However, Butsaka restored the three-goal cushion before fulltime, finishing confidently from inside the area to seal a 4-1 win.

The victory was comprehensive and reflected Stellenbosch’s growing maturity in continental football. The team showed control in possession, discipline in defense, and precision in attack.

Masuluke’s return added calmness at the back, while the front line led by Barns, De Jong, and Mojela offered constant movement and threat. The midfield trio of Khiba, Phili, and Mthiyane dictated play effectively, giving Stellenbosch the edge throughout.

Stellenbosch’s qualification for the group stages marks another milestone for the club, which continues to establish itself as one of South Africa’s most progressive sides. The Maroons will now shift focus to preparing for the next phase, where tougher opposition awaits but confidence remains high after a commanding display at home.

Stellenbosch Starting XI:
Masuluke, Mokobodi, Moloisane, Stanic, Manafov, Mthiyane, Khiba, Barns, De Jong, Phili, Mojela

Substitutes:
Ah Shene, Mdaka, Mcaba, Jabaar, Butsaka, Lekoloane, Titus, Cupido