Stellenbosch given rude CAF Confederations cup awakening by Stade Malien

An early and late goal handed the Malian champions a deserved victory against the PSL outfit.

Stellenbosch were grouped with last season’s Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finalists Stade Malien, RSB Berkane, and Desportivo Lunda-Sul.

The debutants gave a good account of themselves at the March 26 Stadium in Bamako on Wednesday evening.

However, they were undone by Haman Mandjan’s 15th-minute effort that was deflected past Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sage Stephens to make it 1-0.

In the final minute of the game, Devon Titus committed a needless challenge in the danger zone and Daouda Coulibaly rose for the occasion, sending new Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sage Stephens the wrong way for a 2-0 win.

Stellenbosch proved they have what it takes to compete at the highest level despite a 2-0 loss against the Malian outfit.

The next fixture in Group B will be against RS Berkane, another tough team from North Africa.

All Steve Barker and his arsenal have to do is ensure they give their best and get a positive result to stand a chance of making the top two positions and advance to the quarter-final.

To achieve that, the attacking players have to up their game, especially in the final third.