Stellenbosch FC’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign took another damaging turn on Sunday afternoon as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by CR Belouizdad at the DHL Stadium, a result that condemned the South Africans to consecutive defeats in Group C and strengthened the Algerians’ control of the pool.
In his first home continental assignment since taking charge, Gavin Hunt opted for a bold approach, handing full debuts to Mosa Lebusa, Asekho Tiwani and teenage midfielder Wonderboy Makhubu, while Tshegofatso Mabasa returned to the starting line-up after missing the reverse fixture in Algiers.
With both sides enjoying a full week to prepare, there was an expectation of a high-tempo contest, though the worn surface at the DHL Stadium made fluent football difficult.
Belouizdad adapted quicker and struck the decisive first blow in the 19th minute. Naoufel Khacef’s measured ball over the top dissected the Stellenbosch back line, allowing Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda to run through and finish emphatically past Sage Stephens.
The early breakthrough settled the visitors, who continued to threaten with their pace and movement in transition.
The Algerian side thought they had doubled their advantage midway through the first half, only for the assistant’s flag to intervene. Stellenbosch did have a moment of encouragement when Makhubu came close to a dream debut goal, his effort clawed off the line by Chouhaib Keddad at the last moment. Beyond that, clear chances were scarce for the hosts, who struggled to impose themselves in the final third.
Hunt attempted to shift the momentum after the interval with a triple substitution, introducing Ashley Cupido, Devin Titus and Phili to inject urgency. For a brief spell, Stellenbosch pushed higher and nearly found a way back when Cupido’s volley was blocked before Titus was denied on the rebound by Farid Chaal, who recovered after an initial spill.
That fleeting pressure proved costly. With ten minutes remaining, Abdennour Belhocini rose unmarked to power home a header from Bilal Boukerchaoui’s cross, effectively killing the contest.
Substitute Islam Abbaci added further gloss late on, turning in at the far post to complete a commanding display.
The result leaves Stellenbosch facing an uphill task in the group, while Sead Ramovic’s Belouizdad continue to underline their continental pedigree with a ruthless, disciplined performance away from home.
