Stellenbosch FC hosted Congolese side AS Otohô on Sunday afternoon. The match took place at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Steve Barker’s team enjoyed majority possession during the opening period. They controlled the tempo from the first whistle onwards. Muzomuhle Khanyi created the first genuine chance of the half.
Khanyi tested opposition goalkeeper Aboubacar Doumbia with a long-range effort. The strike stung the palms of the Congolese shot-stopper.
Thabo Moloisane made his 100th appearance for Stellenbosch FC on Sunday. The milestone came across all competitions during the match against Otohô.
Moloisane had started in all 100 matches in which he featured. This represented an exceptional consistency record for the defender.
However, AS Otohô created the best chance of the first 45 minutes. They struck the crossbar with a free kick on the stroke of half-time. Both sides went into the break level at 0-0.
Following the interval, Azerbaijani defender Turan Manafov tested the opposition goalkeeper. He struck a powerful left-footed effort from long range after 60 minutes. Manafov then turned provider with a sumptuous free-kick delivery shortly afterwards.
Kazie Enyinna came close to converting Manafov’s excellent cross. The Nigerian forward nearly broke the deadlock for Stellenbosch.
Ashley Cupido almost opened the scoring ten minutes before full-time. Fellow substitute Sanele Barns picked out Cupido with a precise pass. However, Doumbia made a last-gasp intervention to deny the striker.
The goalkeeper saved Cupido’s effort on the edge of the penalty box.
The match entered stoppage time with both teams seeking victory. Stellenbosch supporters might have feared it wouldn’t be their day. However, Cupido had different ideas about the final outcome.
The substitute striker latched onto a ball from Thato Khiba. Cupido kept his composure under pressure in the dying moments. He scored a dramatic late winner to secure all three points.
The goal sparked wild celebrations. Stellenbosch claimed a crucial victory in their opening group-stage fixture. The late drama provided the perfect start to their continental campaign.
Steve Barker’s team now top their group after matchday one. They will look to build on this positive result. AS Otohô will rue their missed opportunities from the encounter.
