CAF Confederation Cup: Stellenbosch FC eliminate 15 de Agosto to seal group stage berth

South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC have booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after eliminating 15 de Agosto in the preliminary phase.

Stellenbosch FC sealed their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the second consecutive season after an emphatic 4-1 victory over 15 de Agosto at Athlone Stadium on Sunday, following a goalless first leg in Equatorial Guinea.

With the tie finely balanced, Stellenbosch started with intent and took control early on. Their pressure paid off inside 20 minutes when Lehlohonolo Mojela was brought down by the opposition goalkeeper, resulting in a penalty. Thato Khiba confidently stepped up and placed the ball into the net to give the hosts a deserved lead.

The Cape Winelands side continued to dictate play but went into halftime holding a slender 1-0 advantage.

They resumed the second half with the same momentum. In the 54th minute, Sanele Barns found the back of the net with a composed finish to extend the lead. Moments later, Mojela thought he had added a third, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Stellenbosch did not have to wait long for another breakthrough, however, as Andre de Jong finished off a flowing team move just after the hour mark to make it 3-0.

With a comfortable cushion, the hosts introduced fresh legs, managing their squad effectively. The visitors pulled one back in the 80th minute, but any hopes of a late comeback were dashed when Chumani Butsaka struck in the 88th minute to complete the 4-1 victory.

The result confirmed Stellenbosch’s progress to the group stage, underlining their rapid rise in continental competition. Their debut campaign in 2024/25 saw them defy expectations by reaching the semi-finals, a run that earned them a CAF Men’s Club of the Year nomination and cemented their status as one of Africa’s emerging forces.