CAF Confederation Cup: Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker reflects on stoppage time win over AS Otoho

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has reflected on his outfit stoppage time victory over Congo-Brazzaville side, AS Otoho in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The South African outfit left it late to secure maximum points over their opponent in the group stage opener on Sunday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Speaking after the game, Steve Barker stressed that scoring at the death is the best time to get a lead in the game.

“I had the feeling we’d be able to win it off the bench but as the game went on and on, it could have gone either way,” Barker told his Stellenbosch FC website.

“But, one good moment, a good pass in behind by Thato for Ashley, where he is at his deadliest running onto things, and we got the goal.

“We had the ability to bring on people like Ashley Cupido, Thato Khiba, Sanele Barns, Genino Palace, and Langelihle Phili, who are real quality players, off the bench.”

“A win is a win, and scoring at the death is the best time to get a lead, so it was just nice to get the win,” said Barker.

“Before the game started, we didn’t know our opposition that well. They’re technically quite good, have decent players, and looked quite threatening at times, so the first half was just about staying in the game because in too many games of late we’ve been conceding early goals, which puts us on the back foot.”

Stellenbosch will travel to Tanzania for their second game against Singida Black Stars.