Stellenbosch cruise into CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final

Stellies head coach Steve Barker retained his faith in exciting young striker Khonotjo Lekoloane, handing him another starting berth after he scored his first senior goal against Kaiser Chiefs earlier in the week.

The South African side began the game on the front foot and looked to secure an early advantage when Andre de Jong got on the end of a corner but was denied by a fine save from Solomane Coulibaly.

However, the did not have things all their own way and Sage Steghens had to make a sharp save of his own from a free kick moments later.

The home side took back the advantage and used it to good effect to break the deadlock around the half hour mark.

The constant pressure on the defence caused one desperate tackle too many, earning Stellies a penalty that was calmly converted by Fawaaz Basadien.

The game appeared to be all but over five minutes before the halftime break when Stellies doubled their advantage through Jayden Adams.

The midfielder climbed above his marker to outcompete them at a corner and get his head behind a powerful header that was virtually impossible to stop from close range.

The home side was in cruise control after the break, not producing many chances but also not giving much away.

While it was a smart strategy, it did not make for a particularly entertaining viewing.

They were given a big scare late on when Moctar Cisse played Lassine Kouma through, but he was unable to hit the target with his chance.

Stellenbosch were ultimately able to cling on for a 2-0 win and secure their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup after finishing second in their group behind RSB Berkane.

READ MORE: Muhsin Ertugral questions proximity of Cape Town City fixtures