Cupido Strike Late To Secure Win For Stellies In CAF

Stellenbosch returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AS Otoho to kick off their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage campaign at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Clive Barker’s men entered the match on the back of a three-game winless run, but the encounter started brightly as both teams showed intent to take control. However, their aggressive pressing failed to produce clear chances, leaving the early exchanges largely balanced.

In a cagey affair, Stellenbosch’s first meaningful opportunity came in the 20th minute when Muzomuhle Khanyi fired from outside the box, only for Otoho goalkeeper Jodel Boulounguidi to collect comfortably.

As the half wore on with the deadlock unbroken, both sides grew increasingly erratic while searching for an opener.
The visitors from the Republic of Congo ended the half the stronger of the two teams, registering their first effort on target through a looping header that Sage Stephens gathered without trouble.

Otoho came closest just before the break when Bandiougou Diallo’s free-kick from the edge of the area rattled Stephens’ crossbar during added time.

The Congolese side resumed the second half with similar intent, going inches wide from an Ibrahima Traore header off a corner. But despite their early momentum, both teams soon settled into a battle for possession with few chances created.

With time running out, Barker introduced Thato Khiba, Sanele Barns, and Cupido in the 65th minute for Khanyi, Lekoloane, and Jabaar in an attempt to shift the match in Stellenbosch’s favour.

Stellenbosch’s best chance arrived in the 80th minute when Cupido attempted to lift the ball over the advancing Boulounguidi, but the young goalkeeper made a strong save.

The substitutes finally made the difference deep into stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, Cupido calmly slotted home from a superb through-ball by Khiba, sealing a dramatic late victory for the hosts.