Stellenbosch FC jump to third place after crucial victory over AmaZulu at Danie Craven Stadium

Stellenbosch FC are currently riding the crest of the wave and will hope that it carries them all the way to Zanzibar on Sunday for their all-important CAF Confederation Cup first-leg semifinal against Simba FC.

It was crucial that Steve Barker’s team were able to collect their emotions after the historic quarterfinal victory over Egyptian giants Zamalek last week in Cairo and get back down to Betway Premiershp business at the Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday evening. 

Thanks to an early Sanele Barnes goal, they did just that, with Stellies keeping the home fires burning with an all-important 1-0 victory over AmaZulu. 

The three points collected propelled Stellenbosch to 38 allowing them to leapfrog both Sekhukhune United and TS Gallaxy into third place. 

While the Usuthu were much better than when Steve Barker’s team humbled them 5-0 at home in the first-round fixture, the scoreline still flattered the visitors as Stellies could have been clear by halftime and even more so during the second half when they created further clear-cut chances. 

While Stellies will know they will need to be much more clinical infront of goal in Zanzibar in their continental excursions, they could partially be excused on the night due to losing striker Ashley Cupido within the first 10 minutes with Langelihle Phili coming on as a replacement.

Cupido hobbled off and had his hamstring heavily strapped before heading for the comfort of the dressing room and Barker will no doubt be concerned about Cupido’s fitness ahead of Sunday. 

Barker also rested his first-choice forwards Andre de Jong and Devon Titus with the duo only introduced into the fray with 13 minutes remaining. 

Barnes’ goal though proved to be enough on the night with the right winger also setting up Lekoloane with a floating cross in the first half which the striker could not get on the end of. 

The winger was at the centre of Stellenbosch’s attacking forays and seemed set to have thread through a decisive pass for Lekoloane again. 

The forrmer Baroka FC forward was unmarked inside the AmaZulu box and needed only to pick his spot, but instead shot to close to Usuthu keeper Richard Ofori, who made a good point blank save to keep his team in the contest. 

It almost came back to haunt Stellies in the dying embers of the clash when Stellies were forced to defend manfully from a couple of corners, but the home team had done enough on the night to earn a well-deserved victory.

Fulltime at the Danie Craven Stadium

Stellenbosch FC: 1 (Barnes 29)

AmaZulu: 0