South African football’s hopes of a full house of four clubs in the group stage of continental club competition for the first time were stymie by the elimination at the weekend from the African Confederation Cup of Sekhukhune United.
The country has never previously had all of its representatives in the African Champions League and Confederation Cup advance to the group phase but after the second round first leg matches last weekend, the possibility of doing so looked on the cards.
But Sekhukhune United, who had given up a last gasp goal away in Luanda in the first leg to Desportivo Lunda-Sul last Saturday, were eliminated on the away goals rule after winning the return in Polokwane 2-1 seven days later.
FULL TIME ‼️
— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) September 21, 2024
⏰9⃣0⃣' +4⃣
Sekhukhune United FC2⃣(2)-1⃣(2)CD Lunda Sul FC
Visitors are through to the Group Stages, on the away goal rule.
🦔🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe #TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/GNn0qVqb15
Sekhukhune had reached the group phase last season but will play no further part, leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch to keep flying the country’s flag.
On Sunday, Stellenbosch overcame the handicap of having centre back Ismael Toure sent off just before halftime to draw 1-1 away with AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second leg of their tie.
We are through to the Group Stage of the #TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🌍 for the first time!
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) September 22, 2024
AS Vita Club 1️⃣–1️⃣ Stellenbosch (agg. 1-3) pic.twitter.com/tGmn37HRFY
Stellenbosch had won the first leg 2-0 in Cape Town last Friday and put up a Herculean effort in the Congolese capital despite hot weather, difficult travel conditions and the one-man disadvantage.
Lehlogonolo Mojela scored again to make it 3-0 on aggregate with a 71st minute strike but Vita got a stoppage time equaliser from the penalty spot.
In the Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns clinched their 10th successive participation in the group phase as they hammered Mbabane Swallows 4-0 again at Atteridgeville, for an 8-0 aggregate triumph.
Sundowns fielded a second-string starting line-up on Saturday but were still far too strong for the team from Eswatini.
Brilliant display of football from The Brazilians! #TotalEnergiesCAFCL group stages here we come! 👆
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 21, 2024
Mamelodi Sundowns (42' Kodisang, 60' Khoza, 63' Lorch, 67' Mkhulise) 4⃣ (8)➖(0) 0️⃣ Mbabane Swallows#Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/DZYjTNdyC1
Orlando Pirates scored in stoppage time at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday to edge Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 and advance 3-0 on aggregate, gaining revenge for being eliminated at the same stage of last year’s competition by the Botswana club.
☠️ FT | @orlandopirates 1 - 0 @jwanenggalaxy (Agg: 3 -0)
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) September 21, 2024
🥅 Saleng 90+3’
⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/amZavxGJXP
The clubs now wait for the draw for the group stages, to be held in Cairo on October 7.
The group stage competition will begin later next month.