Stellenbosch FC will be determined to reclaim the CAF Confederation Cup Group C top spot when they face CR Belouizdad at the DHL Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.
.gif)
Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Stellies tasted their maiden defeat in Group C when they succumbed to a 2-0 loss to Belouizdad in Algeria last weekend and it was also the South African side's second defeat in their last three matches across all competitions.
Stellenbosch slipped down to their current position, second place, in the group standings, following the defeat in North Africa, but they are only two points behind leaders, Belouizdad. A victory for Stellies would see them reclaim the top spot with two games left.
Belouizdad, on the other hand, registered their second victory in Group C when they overcame Stellenbosch and it was also the Algerian giants' second consecutive win across all competitions.
The victory over Stellies elevated the Chababists to the top of the group standings with three matches left. The North African outfit will be looking to widen the gap at the top and also edge closer to securing a spot in the quarterfinals of Africa's secondary club tournament.
TEAM NEWS
Stellenbosch have been boosted by the availabiity of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kobamelo Kodisang and Mosa Lebusa after the trio of new signings missed the recent game due to failure to secure VISAs before the trip to Algeria.
However, Stellies have parted ways with Sanele Barns who has rejoined Richards Bay in midweek and it has come as a surprise transfer as the 28-year-old attacker had started against Belouizdad.
Meanwhile, Belouizdad will be without the services of long-serving midfielder Housseyn Selmi after he was released by the club this week, having joined the 10-time Algerian champions in 2016.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt
“We wanted to see out the first 20 minutes to try and get a foothold in the game [against Belouizdad]. But the speed and the pace of the game certainly caught us off guard," Hunt said.
"It was a difficult start, but I thought we grew into the game a little more... The next match will be a completely different game. It will be played in the afternoon in very hot conditions, which may suit us.
"We are not used to playing in those conditions either, so it will be a totally different challenge, but one we have to prepare for properly and take advantage of if we can.”
CR Belouizdad head coach Sead Ramovic
"We faced a very strong and well-organised team (Stellenbosch), with an excellent and experienced coach," Ramovic said.
"I know our opponent very well, having worked in South Africa and faced them before, which allowed us to prepare properly by studying their strengths and weaknesses.
"We analysed our opponent’s strengths and weaknesses carefully. I thank our players and all the team staff for their efforts, and especially our supporters for their tremendous support."
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the second-ever meeting between Stellenbosch and Belouizdad, who won the first maiden meeting last weekend.