Stellenbosch’s Poor CAF Journey Ends With Draw Against Singida
Stellenbosch’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign came to an end with a goalless draw against Singida Black Stars at DHL Stadium on Sunday, as the hosts finished the match with 10 men.
On-loan Mamelodi Sundowns defender Asekho Tiwani was sent off in the first half, but Gavin Hunt’s side still competed strongly and created enough chances to score two or three goals. However, they were wasteful in front of goal against the Tanzanian outfit.
The match was largely a formality for Stellies, who were, before this game, bottom of Group C with four points from five matches — a stark contrast to last season, when they reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Simba SC.
Singida were also playing for pride, sitting third in the group with five points heading into the final round.
Algerian side CR Belouizdad, coached by former TS Galaxy mentor Sead Ramovic, had already secured top spot with 12 points after five matches. They were followed by Otoho d’Oyo of the Republic of Congo, who had nine points. Belouizdad later finished on 15 points after beating Otoho d’Oyo on Sunday.
Stellenbosch nearly opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Tiwani’s short corner found Mosa Lebusa unmarked, but his header was superbly saved by Singida goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, who stretched to push the ball away for another corner.
Four minutes before halftime, Langelihle Phili intercepted the ball and had a golden opportunity either to score or square it for a teammate. Instead, he opted to shoot, wasting the chance and leaving his unmarked teammate frustrated inside the box. It was a poor decision at a crucial moment.
The visitors also had a big opportunity when Joseph Guede squared the ball to former midfielder Khalid Aucho, but he headed over from inside the six-yard box when he should have done better.
Stellenbosch began the second half brightly. Ashley Cupido was picked out in a promising position, but his attempted deft touch let him down as he came close to breaking the deadlock.
Singida threatened again in the 56th minute when Guede broke through on goal, but goalkeeper Sage Stephens produced an excellent save to deny the Ivorian striker.
Chances continued to fall for the home side, with Omega Mdaka missing a clear opportunity with only the goalkeeper to beat, blasting wide when it seemed easier to score.
As a result, South Africa will have no representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stages after Kaizer Chiefs were also eliminated on Saturday.
