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Stellenbosch coach, Steve Barker, is feeling relieved after his team achieved their first victory in the CAF Confederations Cup, clinching a 1-0 win against CD Lunda Sul in Luanda, Angola, on Sunday.
With an outstanding header from Devin Titus in the 89th minute, Stellies managed to secure their first three points in the competition, moving up to third place in the group following two previous losses.
The head coach spoke about the significance of this win, especially after a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Group B leaders RS Berkane in their second match.
“Having lost our first two matches, this game was crucial. We understood that without a victory, we risked being eliminated from the tournament, so it was essential to win,” Barker remarked.
Nevertheless, the South African manager made it clear that he wouldn’t let the results cloud his perspective, recognizing that the Angolan side is a strong contender despite their recent home loss.
“We acknowledge that Lunda Sul is a tough team; they showed their quality. Therefore, as we get ready for the second match, it’s crucial not to underestimate them,” he emphasized.
As newcomers to the tournament, the club from Cape Winelands faced difficulties, having conceded five goals in their first two fixtures.
However, the recent win showcased an improvement in character, enabling them to not only secure a victory but also to maintain a strong defensive performance throughout the match, achieving an away clean sheet.
The 53-year-old coach shared his thoughts on what this victory means for the club and its supporters, who, like their opponents, are also first-time participants trying to navigate the competitive African football scene.
“I believe this was a significant victory for us. It was our first win in the CAF group stage and our debut in the Confed Cup. We are similar to Lunda Sul in that we were promoted just five years ago, making this win incredibly important for us as a football club. It holds immense value for the people of South Africa, especially for our fans,” reiterated the 2023 Carling Cup Champion.
Having fought their way back into contention, the Western Cape-based club will look to progress further in the standings when they host Lunda Sul for a home match in January 2025.
In the meantime, they are scheduled to face Mamelodi Sundowns, participants in the CAF Champions League, at DHL Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday at 19:30.
