CAF Confederation Cup: Stellenbosch score late to secure 1-0 victory over AS Otoho D’Oyo

Stellenbosch FC opened their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over AS Otoho D’Oyo at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday afternoon.

Forced to play their home matches away from the Western Cape due to CAF facility requirements, Stellies still managed to claim all three points thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Ashley Cupido, who came on as a second-half substitute.

Last season’s semi-finalists were determined to start strongly, but found the Congolese side difficult to break down in a match marked by misplaced passes, limited fluidity, and few clear chances.

Stellenbosch’s best moment of the first half came in the 20th minute when Muzomuhle Khanyi tested the Otoho goalkeeper from long range, while the visitors struck the crossbar from a free-kick on the stroke of halftime.

Coach Steve Barker responded to the lack of intensity by making a triple substitution after the hour mark, introducing Cupido, Thato Khiba, and Sanele Barns. The fresh legs gave Stellenbosch the spark they needed.

After Barns and Cupido forced a save from goalkeeper Aboubacar Doumbia, Stellies finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time. Khiba slipped a well-timed pass into the box for Cupido, who made no mistake from close range to secure the vital win.

Cupido’s last-gasp winner earns us all three points 🔥

Stellenbosch FC 1⃣–0⃣ AS Otohô #HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/BeEd17Ob2P

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) November 23, 2025

Stellenbosch take all three points from their opening group fixture as they aim to build on last season’s impressive continental run.