CAFCC: CRB sink Stellenbosch; AS Otohô claim second place in Group C

South African club Stellenbosch FC’s continental ambitions suffered a crushing blow on Sunday in Group C of the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) after a 0-3 home defeat to group leaders CR Belouizdad (CRB) in Cape Town. In the other match from the group, the Republic of Congo’s AS Otohô moved up in the table with a crucial 2-0 victory over Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars in Brazzaville.

Stellies were punished for failing to finish their chances. Another clinical performance from former Espérance Tunis striker Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda condemned the hosts to defeat, with the Tunisian scoring twice. He now has seven goals in his last seven matches across all competitions.

Substitute Islam Abbaci finished off the scoring late on. It was an even match but inefficient attacking play from the hosts now leaves Gavin Hunt’s side behind the pace to qualify for a place in the quarterfinals.

In the other Group C match played simultaneously on Sunday, Otohô took advantage of Stellies’ slip up with a 2-1 victory over Singida. A red card inside the opening half hour to goalkeeper Metacha Mnata put the visitors on the defensive and hosts Otohô eventually took advantage after halftime.

First half substitute Exauce Sagesse Nzaou scored a brace for the winners before visitors Singida scored a consolation goal in the final stages of the match. CRB now have a three-point lead on Otohô with Singida and Stellenbosch each on four points in the bottom half of the group.

An important Matchday Five will see Singida hosting CRB in Tanzania where a victory is essential. Otohô will have a golden opportunity to clinch their place in the quarterfinals when they host again next weekend against Stellies, who must get at least a draw to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

CAFCC Group C Table