Stellenbosh's good run in the Caf Confederation Cup continued on Friday evening with another good performance against Congolese side AS Vita Club.
Two goals in the first half, were all that the South Africans needed at the DHL Cape Town Stadium to get a healthy first-leg win and a great opportunity to advance.
Despite losing some key players like Iqraam Rayners, their former captain Deano van Rooyen, Anicet Oura, and recently Antonio Van Wyk, the hosts started the game on a high note.
Vita Club have been taking part in Caf competitions but within five minutes, they realised it does not matter. Devin Titus found space in the area, but the goalkeeper pulled a fantastic save to deny him. The rebound fell kindly to Sihle Nduli whose effort flew over the bar.
Moloisane and Mojela give Stellies a dream start
In the seventh minute, the Premier Soccer League side won a set piece. It was played well into the danger zone but the defenders failed to deal with it. The ball eventually fell on Thabo Moloisane whose bullet header gave the Steve Barker-led team a deserved lead.
Five minutes later, the Congolese outfit was trailing by two goals thanks to a Lehlogonolo Mojela strike.
It was a healthy lead for the home team inside the first 45 minutes, and it could have been more only that the numerous chances created were not fully utilized.
Will Stellenbosch finish the job?
Last season, the Stellies won their first-ever major title – the Carling Knockout, after beating TS Galaxy in the final.
They went on to push for a third-place finish in the Premier Soccer League to qualify for the Caf Confederation Cup. They are now close to sealing their place in the group stage if they get a favourable result in the second leg to be played in Kinshasa on September 22.
Stellies have started the season well, and are already in the MTN8 final where they will play the defending champions Orlando Pirates.
