Cupido’s Clutch Finish Sends Stellenbosch Joint-Top in Group C Log Table
Stellenbosch FC opened their CAF Confederation Cup Group C campaign with a dramatic 1–0 victory over AS Otoho at the DHL Cape Town Stadium on Sunday afternoon, thanks to a last-gasp winner from super-sub Ashley Cupido.
It was a tense, tactical battle that looked destined to finish goalless until Cupido — introduced in the 65th minute — broke Otoho’s resistance with virtually the final kick of the match, sealing all three points for Steve Barker’s side in front of their home supporters.
Cagey first half in Cape Town
The match started cautiously, with neither team willing to open up early. Otoho controlled phases of possession without threatening Sage Stephens, while Stellies sat compact and chose their moments to break forward.
By halftime the scoreline read 0–0, and there had not yet been a clear-cut opportunity for either side.
Stellies grow into the game
The second half brought more urgency from Stellenbosch. Key tactical changes arrived just after the hour mark when Barker introduced Muzomuhle Khanyi, Thato Khiba, and Sanele Barns, giving the home side more width and attacking mobility.
The momentum swung in Stellies’ favour.
In the 68th minute, Turan Manafov tested Aboubacar Doumbia with a long-range rocket that forced the Otoho goalkeeper into a full-stretch save — the clearest warning of what was to come.
Set-pieces and transitions became Stellenbosch’s main avenue to create pressure as the match approached the final minutes.
Cupido delivers in stoppage time
Just when the match appeared doomed to a stalemate, Stellenbosch struck.
In the 90+3rd minute, a clever sequence on the edge of the box saw Enyinnaya Kazie Godswill thread a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Cupido, who darted into space before stabbing home a composed finish from close range.
It was Cupido’s first touch inside the box and the decisive moment that sent Stellies to the top end of the group.
Moments later, the final whistle confirmed a winning continental start for the Cape Winelands side.
FULL-TIME:
Stellenbosch 1–0 AS Otoho
Goal: Cupido 90+3’
Stellenbosch FC XI (4-4-2):
Stephens; Kazie, Mcaba (Palace 77’), Moloisane, Manafov; Titus (Phili 78’), Mokobodi, Mthiyane (Khiba 67’), Jabaar (Barns 68’); Lekoloane (Khanyi 65’), Khanyi (Cupido 65’)
AS Otoho XI (3-4-3):
Doumbia; Bowamba, Obembi, Mapata; Traore, Nongo (Camara 90+3’), Mampembe (Mavoungou 76’), Konde; Elenga, Diallo, Kone (Ipamy 74’)
CAF Confederation Cup – Group C Log Table Standings (After Round 1)
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CR Belouizdad | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 | W |
| 2 | Stellenbosch FC | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 | W |
| 3 | AS Otoho | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | L |
| 4 | Singida Black Stars | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |