Stellenbosch retain hopes of historic CAF knockout stage appearance

Two goals from attacker Andre de Jong secured a crucial 2-0 win over the Angolans at Loftus Versfeld Stadium and pushed Stellies up to second spot with six points in Group B.

With two matches still to play, Barker explains why the victory was monumental. 

"It was a really big game for us to ensure that we get maximum points, obviously, playing at home, which does show on the continent that a lot of home teams win, so it was our responsibility to win the game," said Barker.

"Keeping a clean sheet, three points, 2-0 win – we're back right where we want to be in the competition, so obviously it makes next week Sunday another very big game for us against Stade Malien.

"But we need to first focus on Kaizer Chiefs in midweek, so we need to get back, recover, and prepare well for that game, and then after that we can start focussing on next week Sunday."

With this being their maiden voyage in the inter-club competition, Barker noted some of the key lessons they have learnt now that they are four games into the group stage.

"I think obviously having played a team like Stade Malien already, it was our very first game in CAF inter-club football, and I think away from home was a difficult learning curve – we weren't at our best, and maybe just gave them too much respect," he added.

"But to maintain the consistencies of taking our chances, it's about being difficult to break down, difficult to beat, defend well, which always lays a good platform to attack well, and when we attack we also need to do that well, which allows us to defend easier.

"So it's about taking our chances when we get them, being ruthless, playing to our strengths, and obviously being consistent in every 90 minutes, with the right mentality, focus, and concentration throughout the games."

RECAP: Stade Malien dominate Stellenbosch in CAF group stage opener