Stellenbosch settle for stalemate as CAF Confederation Cup journey ends

Ten-man Stellenbosch FC ended their CAF Confederation Cup campaign at the bottom of Group C following a goalless draw against Singida Black Stars at the DHL Stadium on Sunday evening.

This final group-stage fixture was a dead rubber for both sides, with only pride at stake. The Tanzanian visitors, Singida Black Stars, appeared the more desperate for a victory but could not capitalise on their possession advantage.

The early stages offered little entertainment, underscoring why both sides failed to advance to the knockout rounds. As the curtain came down on Group C, Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and Congo’s AS Otohô secured progress to the quarter-finals, with Belouizdad wrapping up their assignments with a win over Otohô on Sunday.

Both teams struggled to seize control of the midfield, with defenders often hoofing long balls upfield in hopes of finding their frontrunners. While the tactic occasionally worked for Stellenbosch due to their pace, their forwards repeatedly misfired in the final third, wasting several promising scoring opportunities.

Around the half-hour mark, veteran defender Mosa Lebusa outjumped the opposition from a corner, forcing Stars’ goalkeeper Amas Obasogie into a crucial parrying save. On the stroke of half-time, Singida squandered a golden opportunity when Ivorian striker Joseph Gnadou found himself unmarked in the box, only to send a wayward header high over the crossbar.

Moments later, the hosts were dealt a blow when left-back Asekho Tiwani was shown a second yellow card and sent off. The Under-20 defender, currently on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, had picked up his first booking in the 17th minute.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt looked to the bench at the start of the second half, introducing Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Chumani Butsaka, and Omega Mdaka. The changes nearly paid instant dividends, but striker Ashley Cupido could only find the side-netting with a sharp effort.

While Singida pushed for a winner late on, Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens produced a solid display to ensure the Cape Winelands side came away with a clean sheet to conclude their continental journey.