Stellenbosch FC scored twice in the opening 12 minutes of their African Confederation Cup second round first leg tie against AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday, but then failed to add more to take a strong lead to next weekend’s return.
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘! – A professional performance earns us a two-goal advantage heading into next weekend's second-leg 🤫
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) September 13, 2024
Stellenbosch 2️⃣–0️⃣ AS Vita Club pic.twitter.com/89qLpgL4it
Their 2-0 home win keeps up winning start to the season that has seen them win six games in a row, including reaching the MTN8 final.
Centre back Thabo Moloisane headed home the first from a corner in the seventh minute in the perfect start for Stellenbosch, back the Cape for the first time since being forced to take up temporary residence in Durban because a lack of facilities.
New signing Lehlogonolo Mojela made it two from a tight angle five minutes thereafter.
Stellenbosch FC cruising against AS Vita with a 2-0 lead. #CAFCC pic.twitter.com/iN49uKfY3l
— AFCON 2025 (@DiskiAfrika) September 13, 2024
Mojela should have been awarded a second half penalty after being hacked down but the Mozambican referee, who did not issue a single card in a bruising physical encounter, inexplicably waved lay on.
Ibrahim Jaabar also created several good opportunities that the home side squandered while substitute Ashley Cupido was free on goal late in the game but hesitated and had his effort block.
Vita were restricted to long range effort and Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens was not forced into any saves.
Stellenbosch, however, might yet come to rue not having won by a larger margin as they now go to Kinshasa for next Sunday’s return game.
There face intimidatory condition in Congo and a large crowd at the Stade des Martyrs but rival coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said he was quitting after the game, saying he was frustrated with working conditions at the Congolese club.