Stellenbosch rout De Agosto to join Chiefs in Confederation Cup group stages

Stellenbosch FC made it to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages following a 4-1 second leg win over 15 de Agosto of Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

Both teams had played out a goalless draw in the first leg but there was no clean sheet in the return match when goals were needed to seal group stage qualification.

Stellies went ahead after 20 minutes through the penalty spot when Bradley Mojela was brought down in the box by the opposition goalkeeper before Thato Khiba converted.

Stellies turn on the style in the second half

There were no further goals in the first half but after the break, Sanele Barns doubled the advantage for Steve Barker’s men after 54 minutes, as Stellies found the form that has eluded them this season.

Stellenbosch thought they had scored the third two minutes later when Mojela found the back of the net but his effort was ruled out for offside and just moments later, Barns drew a strong save out of the visiting goalkeeper.

Just after the hour mark, Stellies extended their lead, Andre de Jong with a composed finish this time round, and they held on until the 80^th minute when De Agosto pulled one back.

What next for Steve Barker’s men?

However, there would not be a nervous finish to the game as Chumani Butsaka put the icing on Stellenbosch’s cake with a fourth goal two minutes from time.

The Cape Winelands side secured a place in the group stages for the second year running and will be looking for another impressive run after reaching the semi-final last season.

Stellenbosch joined Kaizer Chiefs in the group stages and have also guaranteed themselves $400,000 (R6.9 million) as they look forward to the draw.