It’s no secret that Stellenbosch were outplayed in their first-leg Caf Confederation Cup semi-final against Simba over the weekend, but trailing by just a single goal has given Stellies coach Steve Barker optimism for the return fixture in South Africa.
With the first-leg going the way of the hosts as Simba ran out 1-0 victors, it should have been by a much greater scoreline.
The hosts dominated every important department, as they reeled off a whopping 22 shots at goal to the five of Stellies.
Simba also enjoyed the lion’s share of possession with 58% of the ball.
Simba’s ‘vulnerability’ offers hope, says Barker
Despite the glaring differences in the stats department, coach Barker maintained his side were the better team.
“We were the stronger team,” Barker said. “Obviously we were trying to get an away goal. [But] I am very confident that when we are home, we will overcome this deficit and we will be in the final.
“There’s no surety we will get to the final but based on what I’ve seen, Simba are beatable.”
The second leg will take place on Sunday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, as the Cape Town Stadium will be used for a Stormers United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Benetton on Saturday.
Whatever happens in the match, it has been an impressive run from Stellies in their first appearance in the competition which included beating Zamalek in the quarter-finals over two legs.
Against the Egyptian giants, Stellenbosch first played to a goalless draw at home before travelling to Egypt and stunning Zamalek on April 9 in Cairo.
It’s perhaps that performance over two legs that gives Barker the confidence his young charges can pull off another shock result.
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
