Stellenbosch win before biggest match in their history
Sanele Barns scored to give Stellenbosch a 1-0 win over AmaZulu on Tuesday in the South African Premiership, five days before the biggest match in the history of the western Cape club.
Stellenbosch are away to Simba of Tanzania on Sunday in the first leg of a semi-final in the CAF Confederation Cup, the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.
The club based in a rugby union stronghold 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Cape Town have been playing top-flight football for just six seasons, and are competing in Africa for the first time.
While the victory over AmaZulu on a cold night in the winelands town lifted Stellenbosch to third, it came at a potential high cost with forward Ashley Cupido limping off in the first half.
"We will not know the extend of the injury until tomorrow (Wednesday)," Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker told reporters.
The winelands outfit lack forward strength in depth and the absence of Cupido would be a major blow as they seek a Confederation Cup final place.
Barns, one of several fringe players given starting places, struck after 29 minutes. AmaZulu goalkeeper Richard Ofori missed an inswinging corner and Barns fired into the net at the far post.
"There was very little pretty football with the wind and a bumpy pitch contributing factors," added Barker.
Stellenbosch have 38 points with five matches to play, 17 less than leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Durban-based AmaZulu remained seventh with 30 points.
ALSO READ
