Stellenbosch FC suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tanzanian giants Simba SC in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals on Sunday afternoon.
Stellies named three changes from the win over AmaZulu in midweek as Andre De Jong, Devin Titus and Sihle Nduli came in for Ashley Cupido, Sanele Barns and Khomotjo Lekoloane.
After a slow start, the South African side regained confidence around the half-hour mark and nearly stunned the home crowd with a glancing header by De Jong that was saved by Simba's Chamou.
Simba were intent to show force and almost had the lead through a low powerful strike from a tight angle by Elie Mpanzu, but goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke pushed to safety.
The Reds got in front just before the break when a curling free-kick by Jean Charles Ahoua sailed through Masuluke, as the referee headed to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor to confirm the eligibility of the goal.
Simba continued to have the dominance in the second half and pinned the Maroons to their own half with goal-scorer Ahoua remained a threat.
Coach Steve Barker looked to his bench after the hour mark and summoned Lekoloane on for Lesiba Nku before Athenkosi Mcaba replaced Enyinnaya Godswill.
Simba came on strong once more and forced the Maroons ito last-ditch defending from the couple of half-chances conjured.
The Reds could have fashioned a second goal in stoppage time with Ahoua clean through on goal, but he fired against the side-netting with the goal at his mercy.
The miss didn’t matter though as the home team secured the victory and will now head to South Africa with a slender lead.
Confirmed line-ups:
Simba: Chamou, Ngoma, Ahoua, Mukwala, Kapombe, Hamza, Hussien, Kagoma, Mpanzu, Kibu, Camara
Stellenbosch: Masuluke, Toure, Moloisane, Basadien, Enyinnaya, Nduli, Khiba, Jabaar, De Jong, Titus, Nku
Subs: Stephens, Mdaka, Mcaba, Onyango, Palace, Barns, Abrahams, Lekoloane, Phili
